Three numbers and the Astros lose the first battle in Canada

All it took to cool off the Astros was a trip north across the United States-Canada border.

The Astros have been playing remarkably well on the road as of late. In fact, they were 20-and-3 in their last 23 games on the road. Houston’s road record, 31-and-9, before yesterday was noticeably better than their home record, 27-and-18. Despite the loss, the road record is still quite impressive.

Raise your hand if you are a bit concerned about the home record this season. Of course, I am not concerned in the slightest.

*Blogger slowly lowers his right hand*

What can I say? Those Blue Jays and the entire(!) nation of Canada love to best a Texas team. Astros or Rangers, it simply doesn’t matter to Toronto.

On another note, when are the Montreal Expos going to come back into existence to help break the Blue Jays monopoly on Canada?

Just asking for a friend.

Plus, this “friend” strangely misses the Expos.

29

The Astros were not playing at their best yesterday. I am sure this much was obvious to people not even watching the game. The final score of 7-to-4 is your key hint.

Unfortunately, Lance McCullers was not his usual sharp self against the Blue Jays. The 29 game score, which you can find in your handy MLB.com box score here, neatly summarizes his struggle.

Here is a pitching line breakdown in case you are interested.

4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO

Sometimes it is simply not your day. But don’t worry as all pitchers usually go through the highs-and-lows over the course of an 162-game season.

1.136

Sliver lining yesterday: We were fortunate enough to watch Jose Altuve play baseball. This is always fun as he is one the most enjoyable players to watch. And he plays for the Astros, which is extra gravy, icing or whatever saying you like to interject into the sentence.

Personally, I prefer icing, but that is beyond the point.

The All-Star second baseman has once again been one of the key cogs in the Astros engine. But his road performance, like the Houston’s in general, deserves a bit of recognition.

.392/.474/.662, 1.136 OPS, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 22 BB, 17 SO in 148 at-bats

Yes, you read the stat line right! Altuve has posted an incredible 1.136 OPS in 148 road at-bats. Soak in all of its baseball glory while you can. Players like this only come around every so often. And by that I mean once every several years if you are lucky.

401

One of the more notable All-Star snubs today has to be Marwin Gonzalez. Seriously, how can a player with a .983 OPS on the season be ignored?

Of course, I could frankly care less about the All-Star Game. But I am all about players getting their due recognition. Gonzalez has earned this opportunity, and he proved once again last night at the impact he can have on a game.

Next: Astros: Should Carlos Beltran play less in second half?

Gonzalez provided this solo shot with 401 feet of distance in the early going to give Houston the lead. As you all know, this lead did not last for long. But with a single swing of the bat, we can appreciate the kind of season Gonzalez is having in 2017.

**Statistics courtesy of MLB.com**