Star Performer of the Week (Sept. 3 – 9)

Three wins in six road games made for the Astros best week of the second half. Two players in particular played a big role in the successful road trip. But before I talk about those two guys I have to give an honorable mention to reliever Mickey Storey. The rookie right-hander appeared in four games, including all three wins. In six innings Storey allowed one run, fanned seven, and walked two.

The .500 week made for a tough decision this time around. Edgar Gonzalez picked up two of the three wins in his first two starts as an Astro. Gonzalez fanned eleven and walked two while pitching to a 1.74 ERA over 10 & 1/3 innings. A very nice start to his Astros career, but only good enough for runner-up status in my Star Performer standings.

Matt Dominguez (Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE)

Matt Dominguez is the winner of this week’s award. Dominguez played through the pain of a wrist injury and almost single-handedly carried the team to two wins. His three-run homer off N.L. saves leader Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning of Friday’s game sent Reds fans home shaking their heads. Dominguez duplicated that feat Sunday, blasting another three-run shot against Johnny Cueto, helping the Astros defeat the league’s ERA leader.

Limited by the aforementioned injury, Dominguez was had only 17 plate appearances for the week. Matt had at least one hit in each of the five games he played, clubbing a total of eight for a .471 average. Matt is now hitting .350/.366/.650 in thirteen games with Houston.

Congratulations to Matt Dominguuez on a tremendous week. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.