Climbing Tal's Hill
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CTH’s Houston Astros Players of the Week (Aug 17 – 23)

By Thomas O'Banion

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This has been a heckuva home stand for the Houston Astros. The team went 5-2 last week while splitting the four game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, then showing that they are a tougher matchup than many expected while sweeping the LA Dodgers. After much hand-wringing by Astros fans over having to face Zack Grienke and Clayton Kershaw back-to-back games, the team showed their pluck by upstaging one of the best rotations in baseball.

Can we stop doubting this team already?

On to the awards…

Pitcher of the Week: Mike Fiers

This feel good story is a no-brainer. Sure, the starting rotation was outstanding this week, but no one could top Mike Fiers’ performance on Friday night.

Fiers, the other player picked up from the Brewers along with Carlos Gomez, got his groove on against the Dodgers and had them on the ropes almost all night. Despite having a high pitch count early in the game, Fiers elevated his game and dominated the opponent. He allowed only three walks while pitching the 11th no-hitter in Houston Astros franchise history.

It was magnificent, especially since the No-Hit King, Nolan Ryan, was in attendance to watch.

Way to go, Mr. Fiers! We are glad you’re here in Houston.

Hitter of the Week: Jose Altuve

Jose Altuve, as he’s done most of the year, set the table for the club. This past week, he had five multihit games and was only hitless in one. His line for this week:

.433/.452/.667, four runs, 13 hits, two doubles, triple, home run, RBI, walk, and stolen base.

During the tough matchup against LA’s Greinke, Altuve got the game rolling with a triple (he scored that inning) and later took the Dodgers’ starter deep with a home run. Against a stout opponent, Gigante set the tone and help his club win the game.

Altuve’s current hot streak has him looking like the 2014 version of himself.

Redemption Player: Jake Marisnick

Jake Marisnick has not been the same hitter he was in April and as of late, his at bats have been few and far between. However, he made the most of his opportunities in the series opener against Dodgers.

In his first at bat, he hit a two-run blast to score Chris Carter and put the Houston Astros on top. Then later, in the fifth inning, he hit a double and then stole third base (though he didn’t score).

It was a refreshing outing for Marisnick. He’s still a fan favorite and if he can get his bat going, he could endear himself even more to the Houston faithful.

That’s it for this week. Bring on the Yankees!

Next: SS Alex Bregman Interview

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