Astros’ players make Houston proud in All-Star Game

The Houston Astros had a good showing in the 90th All-Star game, helping the American League defeat the National League for the seventh straight time.

Justin Verlander, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman, and George Springer were the All-Star players representing the Astros out on the field last night and they didn’t disappoint. All four had successful nights, putting on display why Houston had the largest presence of any team in the American League.

Pitchers Gerrit Cole and Ryan Pressly didn’t get their chance to play in the game but enjoyed the experience none-the-less. “It was something I’ll always remember,” Pressly said. “It was awesome. It’s one of those things you don’t forget.”

With twelve pitchers on the roster and only nine innings, Cole and Pressly knew there would be a chance they wouldn’t be called upon. I guess we can let the other teams participate.

The Astros didn’t waste any time flexing their muscles and showing the baseball world they’re a team to be reckoned with. Justin Verlander was the starter for the American League and breezed through the first inning. He got leadoff hitter Christian Yelich to ground out and then struck out Javier Baez and Freddie Freeman for a perfect inning.

Then right away in the bottom of the first, George Springer does what he does best, and hits a leadoff single on a sharp ground ball to center field. The next three batters all grounded out leaving Springer stranded on base.

In the bottom of the second, Alex Bregman hits a stinger down the left field line and third baseman Nolan Arenado couldn’t get a handle on it and Bregman is safe at first getting credited with a single.

Two batters later, Michael Brantley steps up to the plate with a chorus of cheers from the Cleveland crowd, an audience he played in front of for ten years. He sends a line drive to the wall scoring teammate Bregman for the first run of the game.

The American League went on to win the game 4-3, but the Houston Astros did us proud and put the rest of the teams on notice.  “This is just an exhibition, but we have a lot of talent,” Verlander said. “We have a special ball club and special players, and we’re well represented here.”