Astros’ Hooks Hope to Use Extra Inning Theatrics to Spur Winning Streak

Defense and Pitching

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After a rough stretch, the Hooks pitching staff has continued to be up and down. Collectively the starters posted a 5.89 ERA. That large number masks some gems thrown by

and

. Frias has posted his second consecutive quality start, providing some semblance of stability among rocky starts this week from the often reliable

and

.

Emanuel, a third-round pick of the Astros in 2014 joined the Hooks late last year, posting a 3.68 ERA in four appearances. In 10 appearances in 2016, the lefty holds a 3.88 ERA – inflated by a disastrous two-inning, eight run drubbing by the Tulsa Drillers in early July. On Monday Emanuel worked seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five. He wasn’t as lucky the second time around, giving up three earned runs in five and two-thirds innings.

Next: The Alex Bregman Watch is Over

Out of the bullpen Chris Cotton and Albert Minnis picked up their first saves of the season. Aaron West, the club’s closer after the promotion of Brendan McCurry has struggled recently, the last recording a save on July 13th against Frisco, blowing a save in the same series. West has not appeared in a save situation since, but he has picked up two holds.

***Stats from MiLB.com and Baseball Reference***