Astros: Dusty Baker makes costly mistake in loss to Rangers

Dusty Baker makes costly mistake pitching to Adolis Garcia, again.

With the Houston Astros dropping the final game of a three-game set with the Texas Rangers, manager Dusty Baker made a costly mistake that led to a walk-off hit from Adolis Garcia. While the Texas slugger is starting to become the next Albert Pujols for Houston, why in the world would Baker not call for an intentional walk?

The Astros’ manager showed his frustration once the game ended by slamming the railing of the dugout, and although knowing he made the mistake in the end, the bullpen and pitching moves continue to plague the ball club.

Although having recent success this season, Ryan Pressly had a runner on third base and would’ve profited nicely from two intentional walks of Garcia and Joey Gallo. With these two runners meaning no more than just possible chances of turning a double play, they wouldn’t help bring in a run, as any shot to the outfield would score a base runner.

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Baker is an old-school manager, but at some point, he needs to make more analytical calls rather rely on luck. While looking to the “stuff” that Pressly has, the team would’ve profited from another runner on when looking to turn a double play and ending the inning.

You can make the call for Baker not being the one pitching, but even with your best reliever facing the next Albert Pujols to the franchise, you have to notice, as a manager, that the defense will be able to end the inning against a weaker hitter.

With the bats quiet, Tim Foltynewicz was lights out, as he only allowed three hits over seven innings of work. Yordan Alvarez did make an appearance, after getting the day off with his recent slump, but even then the left-hander couldn’t slash anything. Taylor Jone showed his versatility by taking over in left field in the move.

The Astros were walk-offed twice in this series, and if you have been counting, they now sit 4-3 in the Lone Star Series. They will travel home to open a two-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at full capacity in Minute Maid Park on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. with Zack Greinke matching up with former teammate Clayton Kershaw.