Astros Lose to Tigers in 2012 Style

The Astros took the field against the Tigers, and looked like the Astros of 2012. In total, the Astros pitchers walked 9 batters, their hitters struck out 15 times, and they made two errors on the field. The Astros looked silly going against Rick Porcello, as he threw 4 innings giving up just 3 hits while striking out 6. The Astros did make the game close, but could not convert on their opportunities and lost 8-5.

Jarred Cosart started the game for Houston, and struggled in his start. His first inning saw the Tigers load the bases early, and Alex Avila was able to knock in 2 runs. After loading the bases again, Cosart then forced a key double play groundout to end the first. Cosart seemed a lot more under control in the second, but in the third he unraveled, and was replaced before he could record an out. In 2 IP, Cosart gave up 4 hits, 4BB’s, 3ER, and 1K. Cosart threw as high as 97 according to the stadium gun, but by the time he was pulled in the 3rd, his fastball clocked in at 93.

Besides Cosart, Alex White was scheduled to pitch and gave up 2 ER (3 runs), 4 hits, and 2 BB’s. Both Cosart and White are fighting for a spot on the team, and neither looked sharp today. Josh Zeid, Kevin Chapman, and Josh Fields each did not surrender a run. In the 9th as the Astros were down a run, Jose Cisnero gave up 2 ER in his inning, and took the Astros out of the game. Besides the runs, each of Cosart, White, and Cisnero also threw a wild pitch.

The Astros hitters did not do much to help the staff. The Astros just had 7 hits on the day, and Justin Maxwell‘s long home run was their offensive highlight. The Astros saw 13 different batters strike out in the game, and were not able to capitalize on their few scoring chances.

Bo Porter was not happy with the way the team played defense. They had two errors today, both of which were simple routine grounders that were misplayed by Jake Elmore and Jonathan Villar on two separate occasions. The Astros now have 15 errors in 11 games this Spring, and Porter wants that to change. Porter said (from @ChronAstros), “This is the thing: Either you’re going to make the plays or we’re going to find somebody else who’s going to make them. This is Major League Baseball. And to play in this league, you have to make those plays.”

The Astros will look for a different result tomorrow as they take on the Nationals at 12:05 Central.