Rookie Corbin Martin and the Astros hope to continue their success against the Red Sox after Houston took last night’s opener by the score of 3-1.
There isn’t much of a bigger stage than this for Corbin Martin in his second career start for the Astros. He’ll be taking the rubber against the 2018 World Series Champions at historic Fenway Park in front of an audience of a nationally televised game. No pressure for the 24-year-old prospect.
Martin won his debut game over the Texas Rangers in the comforts of Minute Maid Park and a home crowd. In his May 12 victory, Martin went 5.1 innings allowing two runs on three hits, starting him out in the Big Leagues with a 3.38 ERA. He struck out nine batters and walked only one.
He showed a lot of poise in that game. After surrendering a home run to Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the third inning, he kept his composure and got the next two batters to strikeout to end the inning. He had a loud enthusiastic crowd and his family cheering him on. This crowd won’t be quite as accommodating.
Martin was able to participate in an old Fenway Park ritual during yesterday’s warm-ups before the game. He was taken back behind the Green Monster to sign his name on the concrete wall where so many players have done for so many years.
"“It was cool,” Martin said. “It’s a classic experience and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.” via Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle"
Martin says he’s starting to get used to the routine and schedule and is feeling much more comfortable. Hopefully, tonight the initial nerves will be a little calmer than his first game in the Majors. He’ll be going up against Hector Velazquez, who has been filling in for an injury depleted starting rotation. He is 1-2 on the year with an ERA of 3.95