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Three things from the Astros’ 6-4 loss to Rangers

By Cody Poage

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros throws out the runner at first base in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 2, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros throws out the runner at first base in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 2, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /
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The Astros had plenty of opportunities Tuesday night in Arlington, however, the club failed to convert when it mattered most.

Well, so much for a win streak, right? Following a close 2-1 victory on Monday, the Astros were aiming to build on that momentum with Justin Verlander on the mound. Ever since Houston acquire him in August 2017, Verlander has been nothing short of phenomenal in his 40 starts for the club.

  • 255 innings
  • 2.29 ERA
  • 2.79 FIP
  • 34.9% K
  • 4.4% BB

Well, the 41st start as an Astro didn’t end well.

Verlander doesn’t make it past the fifth inning

As noted here by Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, Verlander didn’t make it past the fifth inning for only the second time as an Astro.

The entire start was rough for Verlander, who looked like he didn’t have his best control last night. On 94 pitches, the former Tiger only generated 12 swinging strikes and nine called strikes while allowing 14 balls in play. The Rangers lineup also did a solid job of making Verlander work as they worked 23 foul balls. Games like that are bound to happen for any pitcher; unfortunately for the Astros, it occurred when the lineup was having issues with runners in scoring position.

Carlos Correa looking more and more like his healthy self

When healthy, the Astros may not have a player with more potential than Correa. Unfortunately for both he and the club, injuries have robbed Correa of valuable playing time. The back injury from last season, in particular, kept the former first overall pick a chance to pick up where he left off in 2017.

Thankfully, the back injury looks like a matter of the past. Correa has swung the bat well in the first three games of his 2019 season. Take the exit velocity readings from last night as an example.

  • 112.2 MPH (Double)
  • 105.3 MPH (Lineout)

Oh, there was also this amazing play.

https://twitter.com/astros/status/1113237092149157888

Next. Astros: Robinson Chirinos proving doubters wrong so far. dark

The trouble with runners in scoring position

Well, the Astros went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position Tuesday night. Hopefully, this trend ends soon. I think I’ll end this post with that little tidbit. OK? Alright.

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