8/9 Astros @ Orioles

[MRaup]

Springer swings out of his fucking jock strap at a meatball slider up and in and strikes out.

Altuve demolishes a ball to left for a single.

1 on, 1 out.

[MRaup]

Springer swings out of his fucking jock strap at a meatball slider up and in and strikes out.

Altuve demolishes a ball to left for a single.

1 on, 1 out.

Brantley gets a fastball right down the pipe and hits a weak fly to left center, 2 outs.

[austro]

Springer swings out of his fucking jock strap at a meatball slider up and in and strikes out.

This is my biggest fear about coming to Baltimore immediately after the Yankees hit 258 homers in a four-game series: that everybody will be trying to hit a 500-ft homer every AB.

[MRaup]

Brantley gets a fastball right down the pipe and hits a weak fly to left center, 2 outs.

Bregman works the count to 3-1 taking a few tough pitches, catches the outside corner, 3-2. Shot down the right field line just fair in the corner, Altuve speed burns around 3rd and scores. Bregman with a 2 out, RBI double!

1-0 Astros

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Nice patient AB from AB.

[austro]

Bundy is lucky that 4th pitch to Alvarez wasn't put in orbit.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

This guy isn't afraid to surround his 93 mph FB with a lot of strike zone.

[MRaup]

Bregman works the count to 3-1 taking a few tough pitches, catches the outside corner, 3-2. Shot down the right field line just fair in the corner, Altuve speed burns around 3rd and scores. Bregman with a 2 out, RBI double!

1-0 Astros

Yordan takes a inside fastball, strike 1. Top of the inside corner, 0-2. Way inside ball 1. Breaking ball catches a lot of the plate, Alvarez yanks it foul down the 1B line. Alvarez got his first big league hit off of Bundy. Takes low and out, 2-2. Fouls off a fastball, Alvarez looked like he was sitting breaking ball there. Took a ferocious hack. Same thing again.  Ball out. The Orioles catcher is obnoxiously bad at framing. He YANKS every pitch back to the zone. It looks horrible. 3-2, doinked somehow in the middle of the shift in RF, just a little drop shot between the shallow 2B and in front of the RFer. Bregman cruises home.

2-0 Astros.

[austro]

Excellent distance control by Yordan.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He could not have thrown a ball into that spot any better.

[MRaup]

Yordan takes a inside fastball, strike 1. Top of the inside corner, 0-2. Way inside ball 1. Breaking ball catches a lot of the plate, Alvarez yanks it foul down the 1B line. Alvarez got his first big league hit off of Bundy. Takes low and out, 2-2. Fouls off a fastball, Alvarez looked like he was sitting breaking ball there. Took a ferocious hack. Same thing again.  Ball out. The Orioles catcher is obnoxiously bad at framing. He YANKS every pitch back to the zone. It looks horrible. 3-2, doinked somehow in the middle of the shift in RF, just a little drop shot between the shallow 2B and in front of the RFer. Bregman cruises home.

2-0 Astros.

Correa takes ball 1, up and in. Ball 2, low. Yanked low and out, catcher has to pull some fancy moves to keep that one in front of him. 3-0. Outside corner, strike 1. Swings over ball 4, ugh Carlos. 3-2, Swings at the same shitty pitch, misses again. Punch out to end the inning.

But the Astros do some damage! 2-0 Astros, mid 1.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Carlos didn't exactly exert his advantage after being up 3-0.

[MRaup]

Correa takes ball 1, up and in. Ball 2, low. Yanked low and out, catcher has to pull some fancy moves to keep that one in front of him. 3-0. Outside corner, strike 1. Swings over ball 4, ugh Carlos. 3-2, Swings at the same shitty pitch, misses again. Punch out to end the inning.

But the Astros do some damage! 2-0 Astros, mid 1.

Here are tonight's line ups, but the by...

Astros Lineup
George Springer (R) CF
Jose Altuve (R) 2B
Michael Brantley (L) LF
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Yordan Alvarez (L) DH
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Yuli Gurriel (R) 1B
Robinson Chirinos (R) C
Josh Reddick (L) RF

Orioles Lineup
Hanser Alberto (R) 3B
Trey Mancini (R) 1B
Anthony Santander (S) RF
Renato Nunez (R) DH
Jonathan Villar (S) 2B
Pedro Severino (R) C
Stevie Wilkerson (S) CF
Jace Peterson (L) LF
Richie Martin (R) SS

[MRaup]

Here are tonight's line ups, but the by...

Astros Lineup
George Springer (R) CF
Jose Altuve (R) 2B
Michael Brantley (L) LF
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Yordan Alvarez (L) DH
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Yuli Gurriel (R) 1B
Robinson Chirinos (R) C
Josh Reddick (L) RF

Orioles Lineup
Hanser Alberto (R) 3B
Trey Mancini (R) 1B
Anthony Santander (S) RF
Renato Nunez (R) DH
Jonathan Villar (S) 2B
Pedro Severino (R) C
Stevie Wilkerson (S) CF
Jace Peterson (L) LF
Richie Martin (R) SS

Bottom 1

Alberto facing Miley, Miley tempting him with a bunch of stuff around the edges of the zone, count is 3-2. Fouls off a breaking ball. Another foul. Again. Lob shot down the RF line for a double on an absolute excuse me swing with his ass in the dugout.

[MRaup]

Bottom 1

Alberto facing Miley, Miley tempting him with a bunch of stuff around the edges of the zone, count is 3-2. Fouls off a breaking ball. Another foul. Again. Lob shot down the RF line for a double on an absolute excuse me swing with his ass in the dugout.

Mancini takes a knee high fastball, strike 1. Slaps one up the middle, Altuve crosses 2nd to make the pickup then throws a cross body toss to first, gets him by a step. 1 out, Alberto to 3rd.

[MRaup]

Mancini takes a knee high fastball, strike 1. Slaps one up the middle, Altuve crosses 2nd to make the pickup then throws a cross body toss to first, gets him by a step. 1 out, Alberto to 3rd.

Santander up, Miley misses badly twice, 2-0. Pours one in, strike 1. Swings through a cutter, 2-2. Kalas is pronouncing this guy's name like it's expensive wine for some reason. Is it not pronounced like it's spelled?

Chopped to short, Correa jumps and snags it, makes it look easy as he throws him out at 1st. Runner holds.

2 outs.

[MRaup]

Santander up, Miley misses badly twice, 2-0. Pours one in, strike 1. Swings through a cutter, 2-2. Kalas is pronouncing this guy's name like it's expensive wine for some reason. Is it not pronounced like it's spelled?

Chopped to short, Correa jumps and snags it, makes it look easy as he throws him out at 1st. Runner holds.

2 outs.

Nunez up, low, ball 1. Fouls off a cutter.  Cutter in, 2-1. Right down the pipe hit hard, but right at Reddick.

End 1

2-0 Astros

[JimR]

This is my biggest fear about coming to Baltimore immediately after the Yankees hit 258 homers in a four-game series: that everybody will be trying to hit a 500-ft homer every AB.

Latest biggest fear. We’ll be ok.

[MRaup]

Nunez up, low, ball 1. Fouls off a cutter.  Cutter in, 2-1. Right down the pipe hit hard, but right at Reddick.

End 1

2-0 Astros

Yuli takes one up and in, ball 1. Bundy at 31 pitches already. Strike one on the outside corner. Yuli pulls the hands in and lines one to left, but Peterson is right there. 1 outs.

[MRaup]

Yuli takes one up and in, ball 1. Bundy at 31 pitches already. Strike one on the outside corner. Yuli pulls the hands in and lines one to left, but Peterson is right there. 1 outs.

Chirinos fouls off strike 1. Apparently JR Towles was actually at the ballpark for Yuli's 8 RBI game. Weird.

Chirinos smokes one down the 3B line, Alberto should've had it but clanked it, ball goes to the wall down the foul line. Chirinos on 2nd via an error.

[MRaup]

Chirinos fouls off strike 1. Apparently JR Towles was actually at the ballpark for Yuli's 8 RBI game. Weird.

Chirinos smokes one down the 3B line, Alberto should've had it but clanked it, ball goes to the wall down the foul line. Chirinos on 2nd via an error.

Reddick takes ball one. Ball 2, inside. Swings ahead of an outside change up, 2-1. Reddick smokes one right at Alberto on a hop, 5-3. Chirinos wisely holds tight at 2nd. 1 out.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

No reward but good to see Josh hit one hard to the left side.

[PCOL2000]

Here and on the third baseline.  I’d gladly get another tz’er a beer.

[JimR]

This comment is late, but Correa has a cannon.

[MRaup]

Reddick takes ball one. Ball 2, inside. Swings ahead of an outside change up, 2-1. Reddick smokes one right at Alberto on a hop, 5-3. Chirinos wisely holds tight at 2nd. 1 out.

Springer fouls off the pitch he struck out on his first at bat, 0-1. Way out, ball 1. Takes strike two, umpire said he swung, nevermind the fact it caught about 5 inches of the plate, 1-2. Chases a breaking ball out, but fouls it off. Fouls off a two seamer that was right down the pipe, still 1-2. 6 inches inside, horrible snatch frame, called a ball. Bundy was walking off the mound for some reason, 2-2. Springer gets a change up right down main street, fouls it off. He looks visibly frustrated with himself. Bundy at 46 pitches. Low and out, full count. Low change, fouled off. Still 3-2. 9 pitch AB so far. Slider above the zone, Springer lays off, takes a walk.

Chirinos on 2nd, Springer on first. 2 outs

[JimR]

How did he miss that?

[MRaup]

Springer fouls off the pitch he struck out on his first at bat, 0-1. Way out, ball 1. Takes strike two, umpire said he swung, nevermind the fact it caught about 5 inches of the plate, 1-2. Chases a breaking ball out, but fouls it off. Fouls off a two seamer that was right down the pipe, still 1-2. 6 inches inside, horrible snatch frame, called a ball. Bundy was walking off the mound for some reason, 2-2. Springer gets a change up right down main street, fouls it off. He looks visibly frustrated with himself. Bundy at 46 pitches. Low and out, full count. Low change, fouled off. Still 3-2. 9 pitch AB so far. Slider above the zone, Springer lays off, takes a walk.

Chirinos on 2nd, Springer on first. 2 outs

Altuve takes a breaker right down the pipe, 0-1. Way inside, still framed for no reason at all, 1-1.  Ball up, pump fake to 2nd. Chirinos not that far off. 2-1 pitch Altuve waves through a fat, fat change up up in the zone, 2-2. Just gets a piece, still 2-2. 54 pitches for Bundy. Oriole outfield WAY swung to pull for Altuve. Huge alley in RCF. Altuve swings through a fastball in the zone but down. Clearly guessing breaking ball, he was a mile behind that pitch.

Mid 2

2-0 Astros.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

This comment is late, but Correa has a cannon.

The ball leaves contrails when he slings it.

[MRaup]

Altuve takes a breaker right down the pipe, 0-1. Way inside, still framed for no reason at all, 1-1.  Ball up, pump fake to 2nd. Chirinos not that far off. 2-1 pitch Altuve waves through a fat, fat change up up in the zone, 2-2. Just gets a piece, still 2-2. 54 pitches for Bundy. Oriole outfield WAY swung to pull for Altuve. Huge alley in RCF. Altuve swings through a fastball in the zone but down. Clearly guessing breaking ball, he was a mile behind that pitch.

Mid 2

2-0 Astros.

Bottom 2

Villar (hard to believe he was an Astro once upon a time) takes strike 1. Takes ball 1. Low, ball 2. Waves over a cutter, 1-2.  Just down, 2-2. Chopper down the 3B line, Breggers with a nice pick, gets him by a few steps at first.

1 out.

[MRaup]

Bottom 2

Villar (hard to believe he was an Astro once upon a time) takes strike 1. Takes ball 1. Low, ball 2. Waves over a cutter, 1-2.  Just down, 2-2. Chopper down the 3B line, Breggers with a nice pick, gets him by a few steps at first.

1 out.

Severino swings over a big curve, strike one. Chopper back to the mound, Miley makes the play while hopping away from the ball, easy 1-3. 2 outs.

[JimR]

Great pickup by Bregman.

[MRaup]

Severino swings over a big curve, strike one. Chopper back to the mound, Miley makes the play while hopping away from the ball, easy 1-3. 2 outs.

Wilkeson takes strike one. Curve, out. Swings at an inside cutter, 1-2. Swings over a bouncing breaking ball. Chirinos finishes off the 2-3 putout.

End 2.

2-0 Astros.

[MRaup]

Wilkeson takes strike one. Curve, out. Swings at an inside cutter, 1-2. Swings over a bouncing breaking ball. Chirinos finishes off the 2-3 putout.

End 2.

2-0 Astros.

Brantley takes a curve, strike 1. Slashed the other way to the ball in left, easy double for Uncle Mike.

[MRaup]

Brantley takes a curve, strike 1. Slashed the other way to the ball in left, easy double for Uncle Mike.

Bregman breaking ball low and out, 1-0. Takes a 91 MPH fastball right down the pipe, 1-1. Up and in, checked his swing, 2-1. Some dildo is chirping Brantley while he's on 2nd, just chanting "Miiiiikey." And the field mic is picking it up. Breaking ball at the bottom of the zone, 2-2. Gets a center cut fastball and drives it to center, Wilkerson cruises back and makes a one handed catch a step in front of the wall. Brantley moves up to 3rd easily.

1 out.

[MRaup]

Bregman breaking ball low and out, 1-0. Takes a 91 MPH fastball right down the pipe, 1-1. Up and in, checked his swing, 2-1. Some dildo is chirping Brantley while he's on 2nd, just chanting "Miiiiikey." And the field mic is picking it up. Breaking ball at the bottom of the zone, 2-2. Gets a center cut fastball and drives it to center, Wilkerson cruises back and makes a one handed catch a step in front of the wall. Brantley moves up to 3rd easily.

1 out.

Air Yordan up, Orioles infield probably checking their life insurance policies with the infield in. Ball 1. Swings through a fastball, 1-1. Swings through an outside fastball, 1-2. Swings through a belt high fastball for strike 3. That was pretty fucking terrible.

2 outs.

[austro]

Shit, that was a disappointing result from Yordan.

[JimR]

Crap, Yordan.

[MRaup]

Air Yordan up, Orioles infield probably checking their life insurance policies with the infield in. Ball 1. Swings through a fastball, 1-1. Swings through an outside fastball, 1-2. Swings through a belt high fastball for strike 3. That was pretty fucking terrible.

2 outs.

Correa way inside, ball 1. 58 footer, Severino makes a great block to keep it in front of him, 2-0. Chopper to 3rd, Alberto bobbles it but Correa wasn't busting it at all down the line, easy 5-3 putout.

Runner on 3rd and 1 out and did dick with it. Wheee.

Mid 3.

2-0 Astros

[MRaup]

Correa way inside, ball 1. 58 footer, Severino makes a great block to keep it in front of him, 2-0. Chopper to 3rd, Alberto bobbles it but Correa wasn't busting it at all down the line, easy 5-3 putout.

Runner on 3rd and 1 out and did dick with it. Wheee.

Mid 3.

2-0 Astros

Bottom 3

Peterson takes strike 1, Ball 1, out. Ball 2, down. 2-1 fouled back. Ball in, 3-2. 2 hopper at Altuve, 4-3. 1 out.

[JimR]

Shit, that was a disappointing result from Yordan.

Yep, swung through three FBs.

[austro]

Correa way inside, ball 1. 58 footer, Severino makes a great block to keep it in front of him, 2-0. Chopper to 3rd, Alberto bobbles it but Correa wasn't busting it at all down the line, easy 5-3 putout.

I think Correa stumbled in the box, and that doomed him. Not that that makes me any more pleased with the result.

[MRaup]

Bottom 3

Peterson takes strike 1, Ball 1, out. Ball 2, down. 2-1 fouled back. Ball in, 3-2. 2 hopper at Altuve, 4-3. 1 out.

Martin fouls one off his instep. Bottom of the zone cutter, 0-2.  Inside, ball 1. Bounced breaking ball, 2-2. Way up, 3-2. Come on Miley. Cutter grounded to Altuve, 4-3. 2 outs.

[MRaup]

Martin fouls one off his instep. Bottom of the zone cutter, 0-2.  Inside, ball 1. Bounced breaking ball, 2-2. Way up, 3-2. Come on Miley. Cutter grounded to Altuve, 4-3. 2 outs.

Alberto fouls off a cutter. Swings through a meaty breaker, 0-2. Low and out, Alberto just slaps it back up the middle, single.

[MRaup]

Alberto fouls off a cutter. Swings through a meaty breaker, 0-2. Low and out, Alberto just slaps it back up the middle, single.

Mancini takes ball 1, low. Bounces one in, 2-0. Not close, 3-0. Swings over a cutter at the knees, 3-1. Low and in, ball 4. Runners on 1st and 2nd. 2 outs.

[MRaup]

Mancini takes ball 1, low. Bounces one in, 2-0. Not close, 3-0. Swings over a cutter at the knees, 3-1. Low and in, ball 4. Runners on 1st and 2nd. 2 outs.

San-tan-DARE up, takes a knee high cutter, 0-1. Wade at 54 pitches currently. Chases a cutter low and out, 0-2. Low, 1-2. Chases a pitch he couldn't hit with a canoe paddle up and in, ponche!

End 3

2-0 Astros

[JimR]

Miley was pissed at Miley.

[MRaup]

San-tan-DARE up, takes a knee high cutter, 0-1. Wade at 54 pitches currently. Chases a cutter low and out, 0-2. Low, 1-2. Chases a pitch he couldn't hit with a canoe paddle up and in, ponche!

End 3

2-0 Astros

La Pina flails at a slider a foot outside. Swings through a closer one, 0-2. And swings at the worst of the 3. Putrid AB right there. 1 out.

[MRaup]

La Pina flails at a slider a foot outside. Swings through a closer one, 0-2. And swings at the worst of the 3. Putrid AB right there. 1 out.

Chirinos did he go? apparently yes he did, 0-1. Hard hit ball Alberto dives to his left and spears it, pops up and throws him out by a step and change. 2 outs.

[MRaup]

Chirinos did he go? apparently yes he did, 0-1. Hard hit ball Alberto dives to his left and spears it, pops up and throws him out by a step and change. 2 outs.

Reddick takes a curve for a strike. Fouls off another curve, 0-2. Up, ball 1. Bounced, ball 2. Meaty fastball Reddick chops up the middle, bang bang play at first, Reddick just out.

Mid 4

2-0 Astros

[MRaup]

Reddick takes a curve for a strike. Fouls off another curve, 0-2. Up, ball 1. Bounced, ball 2. Meaty fastball Reddick chops up the middle, bang bang play at first, Reddick just out.

Mid 4

2-0 Astros

You know, when your Radio Show's commercials are fucking fucking horrible using the "highlights" of the show, it really makes me wonder how terrible the actual show must be. Looking at you Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen.

[MRaup]

You know, when your Radio Show's commercials are fucking fucking horrible using the "highlights" of the show, it really makes me wonder how terrible the actual show must be. Looking at you Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen.

Nunez takes a big curve ball strike 1. Ball 1. Swings over a breaker, 1-2. Slashes a single up the middle on a pitch that got a lot of the plate.

[MRaup]

Nunez takes a big curve ball strike 1. Ball 1. Swings over a breaker, 1-2. Slashes a single up the middle on a pitch that got a lot of the plate.

Villar gets a rough strike one on a pitch 3 inches under the zone. Fouls off a cutter, 0-2. PONCHE on a way inside cutter that Villar whiffed at. 1 out.

[MRaup]

Villar gets a rough strike one on a pitch 3 inches under the zone. Fouls off a cutter, 0-2. PONCHE on a way inside cutter that Villar whiffed at. 1 out.

Severino fouls off a pitch accidentally that was way inside, 0-1. Way in, ball 1. Low and in, 2-1. Low, ball 3. Cutter down the pipe slapped right at Correa, 6-4-3. Pitcher's best friend ends the 4th.

2-0 Astros

[MRaup]

Severino fouls off a pitch accidentally that was way inside, 0-1. Way in, ball 1. Low and in, 2-1. Low, ball 3. Cutter down the pipe slapped right at Correa, 6-4-3. Pitcher's best friend ends the 4th.

2-0 Astros

Top 5

Springer fouls off a breaking ball for strike 1. Blistered down the LF line, Springer cruises in to 2nd with a leadoff double. Hey fellas, tack on some fucking insurance please!

[MRaup]

Top 5

Springer fouls off a breaking ball for strike 1. Blistered down the LF line, Springer cruises in to 2nd with a leadoff double. Hey fellas, tack on some fucking insurance please!

Springer's double came off the bat at 108 MPH.

Springer rips the first pitch right at Alberto, who knocks it down and throws out Altuve by a few steps. 1 out.

[austro]

You know, when your Radio Show's commercials are fucking fucking horrible using the "highlights" of the show, it really makes me wonder how terrible the actual show must be. Looking at you Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen.

I have a hard time understanding shows like that stay on the air. I mean, even shitheads like Tucker Carlson and the like appeal to a large enough segment of the population that will tune in everyday to have their phobias and prejudices reinforced that I can understand how they stay in business. But who gets up in the morning and says "fuck yeah, I can't wait for Rich Eisen to come on"?

[MRaup]

Springer's double came off the bat at 108 MPH.

Springer rips the first pitch right at Alberto, who knocks it down and throws out Altuve by a few steps. 1 out.

Uncle Mike takes a fastball for a strike. Grounds one to Villar, 4-3. Springer to 3rd. This is feeling annoyingly familiar. 2 outs.

[austro]

Fuck, the return of the Bregman pop-up.

[MRaup]

Uncle Mike takes a fastball for a strike. Grounds one to Villar, 4-3. Springer to 3rd. This is feeling annoyingly familiar. 2 outs.

Bregman fouls off a curve ball, apparently someone made a sparkling play, as the crowd went bananas shortly after. 0-1, low and out. Meaty slider, Bregman pops it up in foul territory, 1B makes a nice play right at the tarp for the 3rd out.

Another inning of shitting away a leadoff double, nice work boys.

Mid 5

2-0 Astros

[MRaup]

I have a hard time understanding shows like that stay on the air. I mean, even shitheads like Tucker Carlson and the like appeal to a large enough segment of the population that will tune in everyday to have their phobias and prejudices reinforced that I can understand how they stay in business. But who gets up in the morning and says "fuck yeah, I can't wait for Rich Eisen to come on"?

Same for me. But then again I hear people talking all the time about listening to absolutely horrible local talk radio, so I guess there is a market for all of those shitty radio programs.

Apparently a large slice of America doesn't realize that the internet does radio shows now too.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Stop leaving runs on the basepaths!

[MRaup]

Bregman fouls off a curve ball, apparently someone made a sparkling play, as the crowd went bananas shortly after. 0-1, low and out. Meaty slider, Bregman pops it up in foul territory, 1B makes a nice play right at the tarp for the 3rd out.

Another inning of shitting away a leadoff double, nice work boys.

Mid 5

2-0 Astros

Bottom 5

Wilkerson takes a curve at the knees for strike 1. Way in, ball 1. Doinked pop to shallow left, Brantley comes in and makes the play. 1 out.

[MRaup]

Bottom 5

Wilkerson takes a curve at the knees for strike 1. Way in, ball 1. Doinked pop to shallow left, Brantley comes in and makes the play. 1 out.

Peterson takes ball one, low. Swings over a cutter, 1-1. Low, ball 2. Cutter basically down the pipe driven deep to left center, and gone.

Sure glad the Astros have been dicking around since the first and not tacking on.

2-1 Astros

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sure would have been nice for a solo homer *not* to cut the lead in half.

[MRaup]

Peterson takes ball one, low. Swings over a cutter, 1-1. Low, ball 2. Cutter basically down the pipe driven deep to left center, and gone.

Sure glad the Astros have been dicking around since the first and not tacking on.

2-1 Astros

Martin squares to bunt the pulls back, ball 1. Fouled straight back, 1-1 low and in. 2-1 ripped back up the middle Miley snags it on the fly while trying desperately to get out of the way.

2 outs.

[MRaup]

Martin squares to bunt the pulls back, ball 1. Fouled straight back, 1-1 low and in. 2-1 ripped back up the middle Miley snags it on the fly while trying desperately to get out of the way.

2 outs.

Alberto fists one in to center. Bloop single.

[MRaup]

Alberto fists one in to center. Bloop single.

Mancini takes ball one low. Out, ball 2. Swings over a cutter, 2-1. Chopper foul down the 3b line, 2-2. Action in the Astros bully, Miley at 85 pitches. Devo whipping it out there. PONCHE on a swing through an outside corner cutter.

End 5

2-1 Astros

[austro]

Sure glad the Astros have been dicking around since the first and not tacking on.

You keep dicking around and not doing your job, and all of a sudden an accident can get you in trouble.

[MRaup]

Mancini takes ball one low. Out, ball 2. Swings over a cutter, 2-1. Chopper foul down the 3b line, 2-2. Action in the Astros bully, Miley at 85 pitches. Devo whipping it out there. PONCHE on a swing through an outside corner cutter.

End 5

2-1 Astros

Top 6

Yordan takes a fastball right down the pipe. Swings at a pitch at his eyes. Fuck Yordan, stop fucking around. 0-2 Swings at a letter high fastball.

Another fucking garbage at bat.

1 out.

[austro]

Uh, oh, kryptonite. One thing's for sure: Bundy has decided he's never going to throw another change-up to Yordan.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

May be the 2 worst looking ABs we've seen from Alvarez.

[MRaup]

Top 6

Yordan takes a fastball right down the pipe. Swings at a pitch at his eyes. Fuck Yordan, stop fucking around. 0-2 Swings at a letter high fastball.

Another fucking garbage at bat.

1 out.

Action in the Oriole pen. Correa takes ball one, just low and out. Strike one at the knees. 1-1 fouls back a 92 MPH cookie right down the pipe. 1-2 Low, ball 2. Fouled back, still 2-2. Just low, ball 3. That was a ballsy take. Pops up a high and in fastball, Martin comes flying back in to the infield dirt to make the catch after the wind does some weird stuff to the ball.

2 outs.

[MRaup]

Action in the Oriole pen. Correa takes ball one, just low and out. Strike one at the knees. 1-1 fouls back a 92 MPH cookie right down the pipe. 1-2 Low, ball 2. Fouled back, still 2-2. Just low, ball 3. That was a ballsy take. Pops up a high and in fastball, Martin comes flying back in to the infield dirt to make the catch after the wind does some weird stuff to the ball.

2 outs.

Yuli takes a slider at the knees, strike one. Fastball that catches a lot of plate, but Sev had to lunge to catch it, ball 1. Outside, ball 2. Fouls back a fastball off the outside corner. Hit hard right at Alberto, just got him at first, 5-3.

Astros doing an excellent job not doing a fucking thing against a guy with a 5.5+ ERA. Fucking embarrassing.

Mid 6

2-1 Astros

[MRaup]

Uh, oh, kryptonite. One thing's for sure: Bundy has decided he's never going to throw another change-up to Yordan.

Swinging behind 92 MPH fastballs is not a good look.

[MRaup]

Yuli takes a slider at the knees, strike one. Fastball that catches a lot of plate, but Sev had to lunge to catch it, ball 1. Outside, ball 2. Fouls back a fastball off the outside corner. Hit hard right at Alberto, just got him at first, 5-3.

Astros doing an excellent job not doing a fucking thing against a guy with a 5.5+ ERA. Fucking embarrassing.

Mid 6

2-1 Astros

San-tan-DAREEEEEE slaps a curve right at Bregman. Easy 5-3. 1 out.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Watch the follow thru, jackwagon.

[MRaup]

San-tan-DAREEEEEE slaps a curve right at Bregman. Easy 5-3. 1 out.

Nunez swings wildly and catches Chirinos gets caught in the dome by the backswing. Robby appears to be okay. 0-1. Low and out, ball 1. Fouls off a low and in cutter. 1-2 count, Nunez dances away from a bouncer at his feet, 2-2. Bounced, 3-2. Doinked, Miley pounces and throws him out, 1-3. 2 outs.

[MRaup]

Nunez swings wildly and catches Chirinos gets caught in the dome by the backswing. Robby appears to be okay. 0-1. Low and out, ball 1. Fouls off a low and in cutter. 1-2 count, Nunez dances away from a bouncer at his feet, 2-2. Bounced, 3-2. Doinked, Miley pounces and throws him out, 1-3. 2 outs.

Villar knee high FB, strike 1. Low and out, ball 1. Way out, 2-1. Outside corner (ish), strike 2. Villar did not like that call. Just low, ball 3. That pitch has been a ball and a strike tonight. Fouled off a knee high fb. Wade at 99 pitches. Off the outside corner, not close. Walk.

[MRaup]

Villar knee high FB, strike 1. Low and out, ball 1. Way out, 2-1. Outside corner (ish), strike 2. Villar did not like that call. Just low, ball 3. That pitch has been a ball and a strike tonight. Fouled off a knee high fb. Wade at 99 pitches. Off the outside corner, not close. Walk.

Harris warming in the pen, and here comes AJ to get Wade.

Runner on 1st, 2 outs.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Freaking 2 out walk.

Wade's upset with himself.

I'm upset with 2 leadoff doubles that didn't dent the scoreboard. 

[MRaup]

Harris warming in the pen, and here comes AJ to get Wade.

Runner on 1st, 2 outs.

Bo Bichette makes MLB history today/yesterday, first guy to hit doubles in 9 consecutive games.

And here we go, Harris facing Severino with Villar on first, 2 outs. On the knees, strike 1. Held up on a low and away pitch, 1-1. Throw over, not close. Again. AND again. Fouled back. 1-2 bounces, Chirinos nice block. Villar stays put. 2-2 holds up on the swing, Villar is going, Chirinos throwing down, Altuve makes a great play on a high throw and tags Villar on the ass, he's out!

Through 6

2-1

Someone pick up PBP for a bit. I need to make some dinner.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Butt tag

[chuck]

I liked Villar just fine as a player but from what I remember he was always doing stupid shit like that.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Top 7

Armstrong (RHP) pitching

Chirinos drops a single into right

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Reddick tries to drop a bunt on a 1-1 count but misses.   Fouls a FB, then swings thru another.

1 out.

[JimR]

Ball 4 George

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Springer misses a FB, takes a slider low/away, fouls a FB, and another,  and another,  takes a slider in the dirt that advances Chirinos to 2nd, takes a FB to bring the count full,  finally reaches for a slider away and rolls into a 4-3 forceout,  Chirinos to 3rd.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Ball 4 George

Failure to identify that as a slider.

[JimR]

Cannot believe he threw a FB

[hostros7]

Easy stand up triple. Don’t see those on a standard gapper every day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Altuve gets a 2-1 count, takes a FB for a strike,  then drives a similar but slightly platier (new word) FB ro the wall in the right power alley for an rbi triple.

3-1 Astros.

Pitching change.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Cannot believe he threw a FB

He set up the same slider he fooled George with perfectly.

Instead he put that FB over more of the plate.

Really bad selection/ location.

[JimR]

He set up the same slider he fooled George with perfectly.

Instead he put that FB over more of the plate.

Really bad selection/ location.

Would have bet a lot on slider

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Fry (LHP) pitches to Brantley.

Uncle Mike Ks swinging.

[MRaup]

Alright, I'm back!

Way to get us a run Big D!

Joe Smith in to pitch the bottom of the 7th for the Astros.

[MRaup]

Alright, I'm back!

Way to get us a run Big D!

Joe Smith in to pitch the bottom of the 7th for the Astros.

Bottom 7

Severino takes a fastball on the outside corner at the knees, 0-1. Outside corner, 0-2. Severino bitching at the umpire. Way in, ball 1. Waves at a slider, ponche!

1 out.

[MRaup]

Bottom 7

Severino takes a fastball on the outside corner at the knees, 0-1. Outside corner, 0-2. Severino bitching at the umpire. Way in, ball 1. Waves at a slider, ponche!

1 out.

Wilkerson takes two balls, 2-0 smokes on to right center, gone.

Gave up a home run to the fucking 8 hole hitter on a fucking cookie. Right down the fucking pipe.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Dammit.

[MRaup]

Wilkerson takes two balls, 2-0 smokes on to right center, gone.

Gave up a home run to the fucking 8 hole hitter on a fucking cookie. Right down the fucking pipe.

Peterson takes ball 1. Grounded to Yuli, flips it 3-1.

2 outs

[Tom Servo]

Don't get too happy, Wilkerson.  You play for the fucking Orioles.

[MRaup]

Peterson takes ball 1. Grounded to Yuli, flips it 3-1.

2 outs

PH for Martin is Chris Davis. Waves through a high fastball, strike 1. Up, ball 1. Slider on the outside corner, (actually off the outside corner), strike 2. Waves at a 2 seam fastball off the plate, PONCHE!

End 7

3-2 Astros

[MRaup]

PH for Martin is Chris Davis. Waves through a high fastball, strike 1. Up, ball 1. Slider on the outside corner, (actually off the outside corner), strike 2. Waves at a 2 seam fastball off the plate, PONCHE!

End 7

3-2 Astros

The dodging bobblehead might be the stupidest thing I've ever seen.

Fry still pitching. Davis to first base, and everyone else moved positions except for Wilkenson and Severino. Bregman fouls off a change up, takes ball one out. 1-1 Swings at a ball way inside and hits it a mile up, F7. Bregman looks like shit tonight.

1 out

[MRaup]

The dodging bobblehead might be the stupidest thing I've ever seen.

Fry still pitching. Davis to first base, and everyone else moved positions except for Wilkenson and Severino. Bregman fouls off a change up, takes ball one out. 1-1 Swings at a ball way inside and hits it a mile up, F7. Bregman looks like shit tonight.

1 out

Alvarez takes a ball low and out. Bounced, ball 2. Alvarez hits a deep fly to left, but Santander hauls it in a step in front of the wall. That was a fucking cookie, too.

2 outs.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Bregman hit one ball solidly tonight.

But the last 2 . . . 

[MRaup]

Alvarez takes a ball low and out. Bounced, ball 2. Alvarez hits a deep fly to left, but Santander hauls it in a step in front of the wall. That was a fucking cookie, too.

2 outs.

Fry is done for the day. O's going to the bullpen again.

[hostros7]

The left fielder’s footwork suggested he thought he was going to have to jump at the wall; I wonder if the wind shifted or something.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimR]

Fry is done for the day. O's going to the bullpen again.

His deep fly would have looked good with the runner he stranded at third.

[MRaup]

Fry is done for the day. O's going to the bullpen again.

Miguel Castro on to pitch. 4.94 ERA, throws around 97.

I can totally see the Astros losing this game in the 9th tonight.

Correa up with nobody on and 2 outs. 98 on the outside corner, strike 1. Fouls off a cookie. 0-2. Takes a slider on the inner 3rd. What the fuck were you waiting for, Carlos? Jesus Fucking Christ. That was awful.

Mid 8

3-2 Astros

[JimR]

The left fielder’s footwork suggested he thought he was going to have to jump at the wall; I wonder if the wind shifted or something.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The wind apparently is blowing in. The SS showed that a couple of innings ago.

[MRaup]

Miguel Castro on to pitch. 4.94 ERA, throws around 97.

I can totally see the Astros losing this game in the 9th tonight.

Correa up with nobody on and 2 outs. 98 on the outside corner, strike 1. Fouls off a cookie. 0-2. Takes a slider on the inner 3rd. What the fuck were you waiting for, Carlos? Jesus Fucking Christ. That was awful.

Mid 8

3-2 Astros

Bottom 8

Pressly on for his first outing since coming back from the IL (earlier today). He'll face Alberto. Liner to left, easy play for Brantley.

1 out.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The wind apparently is blowing in. The SS showed that a couple of innings ago.

He was increasing his step count.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Holy crap.  We got Alberto out.

[MRaup]

Bottom 8

Pressly on for his first outing since coming back from the IL (earlier today). He'll face Alberto. Liner to left, easy play for Brantley.

1 out.

Mancini low, ball 1. Low again, ball 2. Don't dick around please, Ryan.  Fouled off an up and in fastball. 2-1. Low, 3-1. Bounced, fuck. Walk.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Unwelcome walk.

[austro]

Pressly understandably a little rusty, but this is making me more nervous than I hoped would be the case tonight.

[austro]

Why the fastball after making the guy look stupid on two curves?

[MRaup]

Mancini low, ball 1. Low again, ball 2. Don't dick around please, Ryan.  Fouled off an up and in fastball. 2-1. Low, 3-1. Bounced, fuck. Walk.

Pucker time, boys.

Santan-DAEYAERE takes ball 1. fouls back a breaker, 1-1. Swings over a slider, 1-2. SMASH single to right on a elevated fastball. Lucky that wasn't elevated. Belt high meatball.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Why the fastball after making the guy look stupid on two curves?

Completely missed his spot.

Was supposed to be eye high.

[MRaup]

Pucker time, boys.

Santan-DAEYAERE takes ball 1. fouls back a breaker, 1-1. Swings over a slider, 1-2. SMASH single to right on a elevated fastball. Lucky that wasn't elevated. Belt high meatball.

Nunez takes ball 1. Outside corner breaker, 1-1. Low, ball 2. Chases a breaker outside, 2-2. Chases another breaker, ponche!

2 outs.

[MRaup]

Nunez takes ball 1. Outside corner breaker, 1-1. Low, ball 2. Chases a breaker outside, 2-2. Chases another breaker, ponche!

2 outs.

Villar takes low, ball 1. Low again, Chirinos great block to keep it in front of him, 2-0. Swings over a breaker, 2-1. Swings over a slider, 2-2. Low, ball 3. GOT 'EM! HIGH SLIDER PONCHE!

END 8

3-2 Astros

[JimR]

Boy, he got away with one.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Pressly just had to shake the rust off his filth dispenser.

[austro]

Man, as that thing was bending in there I was thinking "this is either going to be great or it's going to be disastrous".

[JimR]

Come on, Osuna.

[MRaup]

Villar takes low, ball 1. Low again, Chirinos great block to keep it in front of him, 2-0. Swings over a breaker, 2-1. Swings over a slider, 2-2. Low, ball 3. GOT 'EM! HIGH SLIDER PONCHE!

END 8

3-2 Astros

Yuli leads off against Castro, who is still in the game. Slashed up the middle, Villar cuts it off and throws him out by half a step.

1 out.

[MRaup]

Yuli leads off against Castro, who is still in the game. Slashed up the middle, Villar cuts it off and throws him out by half a step.

1 out.

Chirinos ball one, out. Fouled back, 1-1. Osuna warming in the pen. Up and in, 2-1.  Ball 3. Outside corner fastball, strike 2, 3-2. Ripped to left field, base knock!

[austro]

Good job by the left fielder. I thought that was going to be a double.

[JimR]

When was Reddick’s last homer?

[MRaup]

Chirinos ball one, out. Fouled back, 1-1. Osuna warming in the pen. Up and in, 2-1.  Ball 3. Outside corner fastball, strike 2, 3-2. Ripped to left field, base knock!

Reddick (COME ON JOSH!) low, ball 1.Swings at a 2 seamer off the plate, 1-1.  Holds up on a low and in breaker, 2-1. Way in, ball 3!  Low and in, ball 4!

1st and 2nd, 1 out.

[austro]

Time for George to show off those MVP chops again.

[austro]

Not what we were looking for.

[MRaup]

Reddick (COME ON JOSH!) low, ball 1.Swings at a 2 seamer off the plate, 1-1.  Holds up on a low and in breaker, 2-1. Way in, ball 3!  Low and in, ball 4!

1st and 2nd, 1 out.

Is that Doug Brocail coming out of the Orioles dugout? Mound visit!

Now Springer low and out, ball 1. Topped to short on an absolutely terrible pitch to swing at 1-0, 6-4-3.

AJ requesting a review at 1st.

[MRaup]

Is that Doug Brocail coming out of the Orioles dugout? Mound visit!

Now Springer low and out, ball 1. Topped to short on an absolutely terrible pitch to swing at 1-0, 6-4-3.

AJ requesting a review at 1st.

Looks out to me, but it was pretty close.

Call confirmed.

Off to the bottom of the 9th.

[austro]

Out by literally less than an inch.

Osuna time.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Perfect cap to Astros offensive night thru 9.

[austro]

No margin for error tonight. I hope Osuna is on top of things.

[MRaup]

Looks out to me, but it was pretty close.

Call confirmed.

Off to the bottom of the 9th.

Osuna on for the save.

Severino quick pitch strike 1. Check swing on a breaker, he went says the 1B ump. Swings over a breaker, ponche!

1 out.

[austro]

Jesus, Walton's attempt at a first pitch last night was better than that.

[MRaup]

Osuna on for the save.

Severino quick pitch strike 1. Check swing on a breaker, he went says the 1B ump. Swings over a breaker, ponche!

1 out.

Wilkerson swings through a change. Bounces and hit Lance Barrett. That ball hit the grass in front of the dirt. How does that even happen? 1-1. Low, 2-1. Chopped a fastball up the middle, Correa is there in the shift, 6-3.

2 outs.

[Tom Servo]

When was Reddick’s last homer?

June 28th

[austro]

June 28th

Ouch. That's a long time.

[chuck]

Trump can criticize Baltimore all he wants but a few minutes ago they were playing the Pixies in the stadium. In Necktown all you get is Clint Black and Pac-Man Fever.

[MRaup]

Wilkerson swings through a change. Bounces and hit Lance Barrett. That ball hit the grass in front of the dirt. How does that even happen? 1-1. Low, 2-1. Chopped a fastball up the middle, Correa is there in the shift, 6-3.

2 outs.

Peterson low, ball 1. Slider on the knees, 1-1. Low, ball 2.  Riding fastball up, ball 3. Chris Davis looms in the on deck circle. Pumps 97 down the pipe, 3-2. Just a touch on a 97 mph fastball at the knees, still 3-2. Took something off, a 92 MPH fastball up, fouled off. Slapped in to left for a single.

Buckle up, folks.

[MRaup]

Peterson low, ball 1. Slider on the knees, 1-1. Low, ball 2.  Riding fastball up, ball 3. Chris Davis looms in the on deck circle. Pumps 97 down the pipe, 3-2. Just a touch on a 97 mph fastball at the knees, still 3-2. Took something off, a 92 MPH fastball up, fouled off. Slapped in to left for a single.

Buckle up, folks.

Chirinos out to chat with Osuna.  Astros in a massive shift to the pull side. Here we go. fastball just inside, ball 1. Same pitch, more inside. 2-0. Fucking christ, come on Osuna.  Ripped to right field RIGHT AT Altuve in shallow right. Go Go Shift!

Astros win, 3-2!

[Tom Servo]

I love the shift.

[austro]

Exhale.

[hostros7]

An immaculate shifting


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Let's never speak of this again.

[austro]

When Davis hit that I was already running through the options of whether the runner's heading to third, who's up next, etc. And next thing I knew, Altuve materialized in front of the ball.

[JimR]

Whew

[Tom Servo]

Just to add to the Reddick question:  .205 average with a .256 SLG% in July.  So far his overall numbers are worse in August.

I saw this on MLB.com by Jim Callis in an article about prospects that could help contenders down the stretch:

1. Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros (HOU No. 1, MLB No. 13)

The Zack Greinke trade made the Astros the favorites to win the World Series and they were able to swing the deal without trading their top prospect, who's chasing a 30-30 season in Triple-A after consecutive 20-20 years. Houston could enhance its chances by playing Tucker in right field over Josh Reddick, who continues to trend downward.

Not sure I agree with that, but interesting.  I think Josh will get it going soon, and I'd rather have his experience for any postseason play we might see.

[JimR]

Just to add to the Reddick question:  .205 average with a .256 SLG% in July.  So far his overall numbers are worse in August.

I saw this on MLB.com by Jim Callis in an article about prospects that could help contenders down the stretch:

Not sure I agree with that, but interesting.  I think Josh will get it going soon, and I'd rather have his experience for any postseason play we might see.

I saw that also and disagree strongly.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Tucker wil get his time in September.

Then he can try to make the big club in ST.

[austro]

I saw that also and disagree strongly.

There is no way I want Tucker's defense in RF instead of Reddick's, regardless of how Reddick is hitting.

[JimR]

There is no way I want Tucker's defense in RF instead of Reddick's, regardless of how Reddick is hitting.

Totally agree. He is too experienced and too good on defense to remove for a rookie.

[Jacksonian]

I have wondered what the brain trust sees in Tucker that eyes here do not.  Then they parlay Fisher into 3 players and I have to think their wheels are spinning with so much more info than we can imagine.  I am left with the thought that i should just accept there is a plan with a high likelihood of success, whatever the plan is.

[JimR]

I have wondered what the brain trust sees in Tucker that eyes here do not.  Then they parlay Fisher into 3 players and I have to think their wheels are spinning with so much more info than we can imagine.  I am left with the thought that i should just accept there is a plan with a high likelihood of success, whatever the plan is.

Seems obvious Tucker will replace Reddick next year. Whether that will be successful is 50-50, I think.

[Navin R Johnson]

Feels like it’s time for a Jake/Reddick platoon. 

[JimR]

Feels like it’s time for a Jake/Reddick platoon.

It is pretty close to that now, but I don’t think Jake is hitting much either.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

It is pretty close to that now, but I don’t think Jake is hitting much either.

Jake hit .194 in 15 games in July.

[Jacksonian]

Feels like it’s time for a Jake/Reddick platoon.

I've been wondering whether one of them will be dealt this winter.  Both are free agents after 2020.