Astros: Alvarez continues onslaught, Armenteros has scoreless debut

The Astros’ “Express Train” rolls on. Yordan Alvarez continues to impress and Rogelio Armenteros tosses three scoreless innings in his debut appearance.

As the Astros continue their winning ways with many key players still missing, the youngsters coming out of Round Rock are putting their talent on display. Alvarez has literally launched his career skyward and Armenteros was impressive in his long-awaited Major League debut.

The bats of the Houston Astros overshadowed yet another fine outing by Gerrit Cole as they routed the Toronto Blue Jays 15-2. Cole put in six innings of work, allowing just two runs on three hits and striking out ten. The Astros have won nine of the last ten games Cole has started. His ERA continues it’s decent to 3.67 while his Major League leading strikeout total climbs to 140.

Rogelio Armenteros came in for relief and closed out the game pitching three scoreless innings, surrendering two hits and striking out three. He has worked long and hard in the Astros’ Minor League system for four years. Finally getting his chance in the Big Leagues, he didn’t disappoint.

Yordan Alvarez is raising eyebrows in the baseball world with a blistering start to his career. Last night he went 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBIs, and a home run. In his four games, he now has seven runs, seven RBIs and three homers. Alvarez has scored in every game and is slashing .385/.579/.1.077 at this early stage of his career.

Robinson Chirinos made a statement in his bid to make the All-Star Team. He went 2-for-5 knocking in six runs, including a grand slam homer in the bottom of the eighth. He now leads all American League catchers with 34 runs scored and is second in RBIs with 38. Tony Kemp and Alex Bregman also added to the hit parade with home runs of their own.

Tonight it will be Framber Valdez going up against Clayton Richard. This will be the second start of the season for Valdez. Although he didn’t get the win in his last start, he pitched well going seven innings and allowing just one run. The Astros look to continue feasting off of pitchers with Richard taking the mound sporting a 7.04 ERA and still seeking his first win of the season.