Astros AM Breakdown: Balks and Brooms in Arlington


The Astros enter the off-day on Monday with a 42-25 record and riding a five-game winning streak.
Thanks to a ninth-inning balk, the Astros were able to retake the lead and finish off a four-game sweep of the Rangers in Arlington.
Seriously, a balk. Not something you see every day in baseball.
You never know what you're going to see at the ballpark. 🤷♂️🤷♀️ https://t.co/w8D72RHAlm
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 10, 2018
Contrary to the start of Sunday’s game, the in-state affair became much more interesting in the later innings. But the early innings was all Houston, even from the first pitch thanks to George Springer.
George Springer, y'all. pic.twitter.com/KU1MRzeEOh
— Astros Stats (@astro_numbers) June 10, 2018
By the time the second inning was over the team had jumped to a 6-0 lead. Unfortunately for Houston, Dallas Keuchel didn’t exactly perform as one would hope.
Dallas Keuchel’s ERA is up to 4.45 after he allowed five earned runs in just 4 1/3 innings (106 pitches) today against the Rangers. He matched a career-worst with 13 hits allowed - 12 singles.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) June 10, 2018
Needless to say, Keuchel didn’t locate his pitches like he usually would.
Dallas Keuchel has not been locating his pitches well. Like, at all. Too many over the heart of the plate. pic.twitter.com/AgpVthCt1E
— Astros Stats (@astro_numbers) June 10, 2018
And Keuchel was not pleased by his latest start, to the surprise of no one.
Keuchel on his outing: (he’s not real happy) pic.twitter.com/94zssyLpqe
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) June 10, 2018
Over his last 42 innings, the bearded southpaw has a 4.93 ERA with 49 hits and 23 earned runs. Only time will tell if Keuchel can reverse his recent misfortune on the mound.
On a more positive note, Jose Altuve made some franchise history on Sunday afternoon.
Jose Altuve has scored career runs number 600 and 601 today. He's the 10th player in #Astros history to score 600+ runs. Others: Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman, Cedeno, Cruz, Wynn, Puhl, Watson, Doran.
— Steve Grande (@AstrosGrande) June 10, 2018
This latest bout also happened to be Houston’s first-ever four-game sweep of the Rangers.
And Carlos Correa sounds close to a return to the field.
#Astros Hinch told media today they are being ultra conservative with Correa. Said he’s done a lot in the cage, has been running. Barring unexpected setback, he should be in the lineup on Tuesday.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) June 10, 2018
In minor league news, Hooks’ infielder Randy Cesar‘s consecutive game hit streak is now 32 games.
Make it 32 straight games with a hit for Randy Cesar! #ReelFun pic.twitter.com/WJ8R0qdplK
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) June 11, 2018
And Houston agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Seth Beer. Cue the beer puns starting now.
Clemson OF Seth Beer, taken by the Astros with the No. 28 overall pick, says he’s agreed to terms. “I’m excited to get out to Houston and see what’s going on in the town. I’ve never been to Texas before but I’m really excited to make the journey out there.”
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 10, 2018
Houston Astros News and Notes From Around FanSided
Houston wins a game where Charlie Morton was historically wild [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]
Reliever Joe Smith to the DL as Reymin Guduan is recalled [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]
Houston Astros: Important dates to look for in the month of June [House Of Houston – T.A. Mock]
More Houston Astros and General Baseball News From Around the Internet
First-round pick Beer reaches deal with Astros [MLB.com – Brian McTaggart]
How the “Opener” Spread to the Dodgers [FanGraphs – Travis Sawchik]
Astros pull ahead on balk, sweep Rangers [MLB.com –Alyson Footer]
Next: Astros win a game where Charlie Morton was historically wild
We hope you enjoyed this edition of AM Breakdown.
**Statistics and information courtesy of MLB.com**