Climbing Tal's Hill
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Three things from the Astros’ 8-6 win over the Yankees

By Cody Poage

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros receives congratulations from third base coach Gary Pettis #8 after hitting a home run in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on April 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros receives congratulations from third base coach Gary Pettis #8 after hitting a home run in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on April 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Although the later innings was a close affair, the Astros pulled off a feat that we haven’t seen since 2004.

Well, for the first time since the 2004 season, the Astros have emerged undefeated in a home stand that featured at least two series. I might be dating myself a bit, but I remember a fair share of those games. And the brick red. Lots of brick red. Let’s just say that I’m grateful for the navy and orange.

The Astros also swept the Yankees for the first time in club history. That’s something worth mentioning. With a very successful home stand now behind them, the club will head to the Pacific Northwest to challenge the Mariners. Let’s see if that away record can improve, especially with that -7 run differential in seven road games.

Ryan Pressly continues to impress

I would honestly consider Pressly to be the Astros’ best reliever since the club acquired him last summer. Including the postseason, the right-hander has only surrendered three earned runs as an Astro. That’s downright impressive. If you’d take his 2019 season only, the numbers are even better.

  • 5 2/3 IP, 20 TBF, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 SO
  • 0.00 ERA
  • -1.42 FIP

Yes, a negative FIP. You don’t see that too often.

Jose Altuve continues his power surge

It was kind of easy to forget that Altuve was the 2017 AL MVP following a disappointing, injury-riddled 2018. Thanks a busted knee, the Astros’ second baseman saw his offensive numbers take a dive. For example, his ISO dropped from .202 in his MVP season to .135 last season. It was his lowest ISO output since the 2014 season.

That said, it is fair to speculate if Altuve has rediscovered his unexpected power. Through 13 games, the 28-year old has posted a .333 ISO and five home runs. In fact, four of those home runs came in the three-game series against the Yankees at Minute Maid Park.

https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1116180378929250304

Next. Astros Injury Report: Alex Bregman listed as day to day. dark

The master of spin, Collin McHugh

If McHugh can continue to pitch this well, then the Astros are going to be in good shape. Real good shape. The right-hander only surrendered two runs across six innings, with 14 swinging strikes alone via his slider. The spin rate associated with his pitches is a key reason behind his early season results (2.65 ERA) as he led all starters on Wednesday with an average spin rate of 2621 RPM.

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