Climbing Tal's Hill
Fansided

Astros Blast: First Series Victory

By Cody Poage

Apr 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jake Marisnick (6) celebrates with shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) after scoring a run during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jake Marisnick (6) celebrates with shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) after scoring a run during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Astros finally win their first series of the season! However, it took four tries.

Better late than never I suppose. Let’s hope that this Astros success against the Detroit Tigers carries forward into the upcoming Texas Rangers series in Arlington. But certain players will have to step up to help the Astros improve upon their 5-8 record.

For example, Carlos Gomez has been a non-factor for the Astros with the bat since Game 1 in New York. Eight hits in 42 at-bats pretty much sums it all up. Yes, he has made some good plays in the outfield. However, the Astros didn’t trade for him in last July only for his glove. His bat will be needed at a certain point, and if it doesn’t improve soon then we may start seeing more of Jake Marisnick in the lineup soon.

And Carlos Correa, outside of his torrid start in the Yankees series, has struggled quite a bit. No home runs and three RBI since April 7th, and a slash line of .194/.293/.250 in 41 plate appearances. Of course, this the Carlos Correa we are talking about so expect him to adjust soon. Slumps happen to everyone at a certain point, and the day off yesterday may do him some good going forward.

The pitching staff and the lack of limiting home runs has also been an Achilles heel for the Astros so far this season. In fact, only the Rangers with 22 have allowed more home runs thus far in 2016 than the Astros with 20.

So this upcoming series in Arlington may feature some home run fireworks. Who knows, this may be the type of series that the Astros offense needs to break out of its slump. It will be simply wonderful to see Gomez, Correa, and Evan Gattis bats lead the team to a road sweep this week against a divisional rival after struggling as of late. And if the Astros pitchers can keep the ball in the park that would go a loooong way in determine how this mini road trip unfolds.

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**Information provided by Baseball-Reference and MLB.com**

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