Astros AM: Walk-Off Home Runs Are Fun

The Friday night fireworks at Minute Maid Park came early last night courtesy of a pair of solo home runs that altered the outcome of a game.

The Houston Astros appeared done Friday night as the team entered the bottom half of the ninth. Sure, the lead that the Tampa Bay Rays held was just one run. But Houston’s lineup at times has not been the most “clutch”.

However, yesterday’s game for the Astros proved to be different. You see, every once in a while a team’s lineup goes off in big way. The lineup did just that last night.

Thanks to the late night heroics of Carlos Correa and Evan Gattis, the Astros snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. And believe it or not, the Astros actually lead the league in walk off wins this season.

This fact doesn’t feel like it belongs in the 2016 season considering the Astros struggles all season long. However, the opportunity to celebrate many walk off wins is rare so enjoy them while you can.

The first home run from Correa guaranteed that the Astros would at least be playing into extra innings last night. But the second solo shot is what sealed the deal for the Astros as Gattis just flat out crushed the ball over the railroad tracks in left field.

The amazing part of the Gattis home run is where it was in the zone. Or should I say, outside of the zone?

Gattis’ power is unbelievable when he makes contact with the baseball, which is why he is such a wild card in the Astros lineup. When he is “on”, oh man, can he hit. And last night he was “on” when it mattered most.

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Correa also made some history as he belted his 40th home run as a shortstop and continues to pad his franchise-best mark for a shortstop.

This weekend series for the Astros is vital to the team’s playoff chances. Per Baseball Prospectus, the Astros had about a 14.8% chance of reaching the postseason entering yesterday. And while one win won’t swing pendulum much one way or another, this “clutch” victory could be the foundation for a much needed run at the Wild Card.

Next: Astros Minors: Fresno Spotlight Player- Cesar Valdez

Of course, only time will tell the tale for the Astros.

**Statistics provided ESPN; playoff odds provided by Baseball Prospectus**