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Three things from the Astros’ 3-1 win over the Mariners

ByCody Poage|
SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 13: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring run on hit by Michael Brantley #23 of the Houston Astros off of starting pitcher Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a game at T-Mobile Park on April 13, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Astros won 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 13: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring run on hit by Michael Brantley #23 of the Houston Astros off of starting pitcher Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a game at T-Mobile Park on April 13, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Astros won 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

The Astros are trying their best to erase an early 2-5 start to the season from the memory banks.

Well, the Astros win again. I can get used to writing that sentence every freaking day, but I know it won’t last. Houston will lose another game sooner or later; that is just the nature of baseball. But I am enjoying the heck out of this eight-game winning streak.

Unlike the night before, Saturday night’s game between the Astros and Mariners didn’t feature a lot of offensive firepower. Houston did enough, though, to come away with the win.

Justin Verlander‘s best start of the season

While Verlander has been quite effective this season, he hasn’t set the world on fire in his first three starts with a 4.24 ERA in 17 innings. But against Seattle on Saturday night, the Astros’ ace held the opposing lineup to just one run over six innings while striking out eleven. Also, he generated 16 swinging strikes, 20 called strikes, and 32 fouls on 105 pitches. Only 9 balls in play, by the way. Let’s hope the fourth start of this season is the start of another impressive run for the veteran starter.

Another game, another Jose Altuve home run

For those wondering if Altuve lost his power stroke following last season, well, don’t look any further. The 2017 AL MVP has not only found it, but he is making other teams pay for it. In his last five games, Altuve has hit six home runs. Yes, six home runs in five games. He is a key reason behind the club’s eight-game winning streak. Let’s hope this power surge continues all season long.

Astros’ record comparison

The 2018 season was known for strong play nearly all season long before a letdown in the ALCS. In fact, the Astros started that season quite strongly. After 15 games, the club had a 10-5 record. This year’s team? Oh, look, 10-5 after 15 games. Wait, what?

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