CC Sabathia (0-0, -.--) vs Scott Feldman (0-0, -.--)
Derek Jeter struck out 22 Astros en route to a complete game shutout and went 4x5 at the plate with 8 RBI, as the Yankees began the 2014 Derek Jeter Farewell Tour™ with a bang. Actually, that's not what happened at all, and instead Houston at last had all the fun. The Astros struck early and often against CC Sabathia while Scott Feldman held the Yankees in check, and the result was an Opening Day 6-2 win for Houston.
On the Mound:
*Feldman made Sabathia look unworthy of the Opening Day start in comparison, holding the New York Jeters scoreless over 6.2 innings. His nearly flawless line: 6.2 IP / 2 H / 0 R / 0 ER / 2 BB / 3 K.
*Kevin Chapman got one out to end the 7th, then walked one (who eventually scored) to start the 8th.
*Chad Qualls had a shaky outing in his Houston re-debut, allowing 3 hits and a run before escaping with a double play.
*Matt Albers got the call for the non-save 9th, allowing only a 2-out double in a scoreless frame.
At the Plate:
*Dexter Fowler, welcome to Houston. "Daddy Long Legs" made an instant good impression on his new home fans, going 2x4 with 2 2B, 2 R, and 2 K.
*Jesus Guzman likewise started his Astros career auspiciously, blasting Sabathia's first pitch to him high over the wall in left-center for a 2-run bomb, finishing 1x4 with 2 K.
*L.J. Hoes showed some early muscle, going 1x2 with a BB and a solo HR.
*Jose Altuve hit third in the lineup and lived up to it tonight, going 2x4 with 2 RBI, a R, and a SB.
*Jason Castro went 1x4 with a R, a K, and Houston's other RBI.
*Chris Carter (1x4, K) and Jonathan Villar (1x3, K) also had hits.
Turning Point:
The Astros took ahold of this one early on and never relinquished control. After Feldman's scoreless 1st, Dexter Fowler led off with a double, then scored on an Altuve single one out later. Castro drove in Altuve and reached on a fielder's choice, then Jesus Guzman made it 4-0 Astros on the very next pitch.
Man of the Match:
Scott Feldman. Great debut for Houston's most expensive off-season acquisition.
Goat of the Game:
At least for today, the Astros are undefeated and in first place. No goat!
