Royals 2
Astros 8
W: Collin McHugh, L: Chris Young
What an outstanding April 11, 2016 it was!! Getting to visit with friends and talking baseball. I know there are things in life that are better, but that is one of the best. There were a lot of the regulars and some long time OWA posters attending (MusicMan) and newer ones (Doyce7 – who I didn’t meet but heard he was sitting behind me) in attendance for the first time. Waldo has a mini-me, who seemed to have a good time and is a good luck charm. Homer called Rasmus’ homerun. I said at the Flying Saucer that the Astros would win. There is just something about talking about baseball that makes us happy.
In regard to the game, one highlight was literally seeing Collin McHugh’s ERA drop after every out. I wish I had the foresight to take a picture of it when it happened. It was quite cool! Seeing George Spring and JASON CASTRO get hits was for sore eyes. Tyler White and Preston Tucker are doing everything they can to make sure they don’t get sent down. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are wonders and make it so easy to be a fan of this team.
Back to the pitching, Collin really did a great job against Kansas City. He pitched himself out of trouble, especially the 7th inning when the defense had a hiccup and helped the bases get loaded. Tony Sipp gave up the 2-run homer in the 8th, he seemed to be pitching tentatively, then got aggressive after he gave up the homerun. Josh FIELDS, did a good job closing the game in the top of the ninth allowing just one hit. It was nice to see the bullpen maintain a large lead. I cannot say enough glowing accolades about McHugh, he really stepped up and probably feels 1000X better than he has since his last outing.
The stars of the night really were McHugh and the bats. Everyone wanted to get involved in the hit parade, except Carlos Gomez, he just couldn’t connect. Colby Rasmus hit the only homerun for the Astros and things got uncomfortable around JimR after that. He got excited anytime Rasmus did anything. He had jalapenos and onions flying and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face. I think Rasmus may need a restraining order more than Brad Ausmus ever did in regard to me!
Needless to say, the team we saw last night is the team we expect to see most of the season. Coming home seems to be good for their souls!