Gerrit Cole was the truth today. He got a career-high 21 swings and misses. Hinch:
I thought he was exceptional. He was in total control of the game and I think he finished stronger than he started.. (click the link) ...What a great way to start his Astros career.
Is it possible the #Astros’ best starter is the guy who started their 4th game of the season?— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 1, 2018
Gerrit Cole today: 7 IP 2 H 1 R 11 K
“He’s going to win the Cy Young on that team,” a scout who saw the Astros a lot this spring told me. “He might have the best stuff in the league.”
Astros Starters: 24.1IP, 17H/6ER, 30K:7BB
Astros Relievers: 10.2IP, 8H/5ER, 10K:4BB
Rangers Starters: 19.1IP, 19H/10ER, 14K:7BB
Rangers Relievers: 16.2IP, 19H/12ER, 18K:8BB
Well well well. Jexas recapped the series against Aren'tlington.
Evan Gattis went 3x4 with 3RBI. Altuve went 3x5. Max Stassi went 2x3. Ken Giles threw a perfect 9th.
*On Saturday, Hinch told Reddick: "You get tomorrow off, and then you're going to probably play forever."
*Gerry Fraley writes that the Rangers are not in the same class as the Astros. Mike Minor:
I couldn't put anybody away. I'd get strike one, strike two, and they'd battle. Every guy did that.
Similarly, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Stefan Stevenson wrings his hands about how good the Astros actually are.
*Marwin earned the first ejection of the season.
*Gates will open today at 3:00pm for the 6:10pm Central First Pitch. It's going to be crazy today, as the Astros unveil the AL Pennant and the World Series Championship banners. Altuve:
I can't wait to go home and play in front of our fans in Houston. It's going to be exciting. It's going to be the first time they actually can watch us play after the World Series. It's going to be pretty interesting and I know they're excited and we're excited. It's going to be a good day.
*This one-armed 8th grade catcher is freaking awesome.
