Houston Astros: McCullers among pitchers with strong start

The Houston Astros‘ bats were alive in their fourth spring training game of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. While starting most of their healthy expected starters, the Astros ran up 14 runs in nine innings with a strong performance from the pitching room including Lance McCullers Jr.

The Astros offense totaled for 14 runs on 12 hits, while the Cardinals only had three hits and no runs from their sluggish bats. The projected starters and prospects were raking against the seven St. Louis pitchers, while Carlos Martinez plunked Jose Altuve in his first at bat. He would then post an ERA of 32.40.

Although the Astros were rounding the bases every inning, the pitching was elite backed by Lance McCullers Jr.

Centerfielder and expected leadoff hitter Myles Straw opened the game with his first extra base hit (double) of the season. The right-hander is now four for six on the season, while also having a stolen base. Other hitters with impactful plate appearances were Alex De Goti, Jose Siri and Michael Brantley; combining for six hits and five RBIs. The Astros texted the versatility in the field with Steven Souza Jr. back at first base.

While the bats were hot, it is worth noting the dominance of Lance McCullers Jr. While only pitching one inning, the right-hander retired the three batters he faced on 12 pitches with a strike out. He was scheduled to go two innings, but the bottom half of the first was too long of a wait to return to the mound.

Francis Martes, Tyler Ivey, Brooks Raley, Enoli Paredes, Kit Scheetz and Ralph Garza Jr. combined for 10 strike outs and five walks against the Cardinals, although losing Luis Garcia due to health and safety protocols before his first spring training appearance. The Astros did have Seth Martinez scheduled, but Scheetz took his place tonight. This group pitched well, although having Angel Hernandez calling balls and strikes.

The Astros are back on the field in a seven-inning game on Friday against the Miami Marlins in Jupiter at 12:05, but will not be televised. The Marlins did have a fixed live stream for the game against the Astros on Sunday. Jose Urquidy is scheduled to start followed by Brandon Bielak, Joe Smith and Steve Cishek. Friday also comes with the first “B” game (five innings) of spring training against the Cardinals with Brett Conine, Ryne Stanek, Blake Taylor and Kit Scheetz hitting the bump, but Scheetz might be flipping with Seth Martinez.