Astros, a prominent franchise within Major League Baseball (MLB), continue to showcase their prowess in the American League West division, recently solidifying their position with a significant victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. This triumph was notably marked by the impressive performances of players such as Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez, who contributed crucial home runs that propelled the Astros to a commanding 8-2 win. Such performances underscore not only individual talent but also the collective strength of a team that has consistently demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season.
Yordan Alvarez's contribution further emphasizes the depth of talent within the Astros' lineup. The synergy between these players not only enhances their individual statistics but also fosters an environment conducive to teamwork and collaboration on the field.
The back of Bregman’s baseball card is filled with huge numbers and impressive accomplishments, but the red-hot tear he’s currently on might be the best version of Bregman yet. At least he thinks so.
“I feel like I’m swinging it as good as I ever have in my career,” the 30-year-old third baseman said.
Bregman went 3-for-5 with a double and homered in his fourth consecutive game, as well as making a nice sliding catch in foul territory in support of starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to lead the Astros to their season-high-tying seventh consecutive win, 3-2, over the Rays on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay loaded the bases on two singles and a walk with one out in the eighth against struggling reliever Ryan Pressly. Brandon Lowe made it 3-2 on a one-hop fielder's choice before Christopher More hit a grounder to end the inning. Pressly has allowed a run in four straight appearances.
“He's good physically,” Espada said. “He got out of that inning. He's making his pitches, and they're putting some swings on pitches that he's executing."
Junior Caminero, the majors' No. 2 prospect, was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Rays and had an infield hit and struck out three times. The 21-year-old got his right leg tangled with catcher Victor Caratini on a first-inning foul at the plate and favored it again after a swinging strike three.
Blanco's last batter, Brandon Lowe, hit an 106.5 mph liner that the right-hander deflected with his glove and resulted in a sore left index finger.
“He came in sore, lost some feel to it,” Espada said. “He did get some X-rays; came out negative. He's good to go.”
Bryan Abreu walked Taylor Walls, who is hitting .171, starting the eighth. Walls was running on the pitch, preventing a double play on Jose Siri's grounder. Walls stole third and scored with a head-first slide on Yandy Díaz's grounder.
 Read more
Strong mag. 5.4 Earthquake - 44 km SSE of Yilan, Taiwan NASA pushes Starliner return decision to late August amid Boeing spacecraft problemsSarah H
Also on site :