The Astros won. The Mariners lost. The Blue Jays and Rangers won. It's all madness. Houston is 82-62, 2.5 up on Seattle. They've won back-to-back home games for the first time since August 21-22. It's only the 11th 2-game home winning streak of the season, the high of which is six games, set from May 15-21, 2023.
*AL Playoff Picture with 19 Astros games remaining:
1. Baltimore: 90-52
2. Houston: 82-62
3. Minnesota: 75-68
4. Tampa: 88-56
5. Toronto: 80-63
6. Seattle: 79-64
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7. South Viridian: 78-64 (+0.5)
*AL West Division Odds (Change from yesterday)
Houston: 81.8% (+15.7%)
Seattle: 14.6% (-14.5%)
South Viridian: 3.6% (-1.2%)
Houston: 81.8% (+5.5%)
Seattle: 12.0% (-6.8%)
South Viridian: 6.2% (+1.3%)
*This week we have:
Houston vs Oakland (3), @ Kansas City (3)
Seattle vs Anaheim (3), vs Dodgers (3)
South Viridian @ Toronto (4), @ Cleveland (3)
The Game
*Kyle Tucker became just the second player since 1961 to hit two triples in an inning, and the first since Cory Sullivan did it in the 5th Inning against the...Padres on April 9, 2006. It's the 11th time a player has hit two triples in an inning in baseball history. He needs nine more triples in 2023 to match Evan Gattis' 2015 season.
The list of Astros with two triples in a game:
Kyle Tucker (2023, 2020), Jose Altuve (2017), Jonathan Villar (2013), Justin Maxwell (2013), Chris Johnson (2011), Billy Hatcher (1989), Phil Garner (1985, 1985), Bill Doran (1984), Omar Moreno (1983), Craig Reynolds (1985, 1981), Jose Cruz (1978), Terry Puhl (1977), Roger Metzger (1977 & 1973), Jerry DaVanon (1975), Johnny Edwards (1970), Joe Morgan (1966, 1965, 1965) Joe Gaines (1964), Jim Golden (1962), Merritt Ranew (1962).
I think having the opportunity to bat twice in the same inning is nice just with all the other guys putting together quality at-bats and having the opportunity to get back up. Then, putting the ball in play and doing the most with it.
*Jose Altuve was 1x4 with 3RBI. It's the 55th 3RBI+ game of his career. Jeff Bagwell had 145 3+ RBI games.
*Chas McCormick had two hits and two stolen bases - the 23rd and 24th stolen bases of his career and 17th/18th of 2023. McCormick had stolen two bases between August 3 and September 9, 2023. Chas:
We're just confident right now. Offensively, we know we can do a good job up there. We have a mix of veterans and some young guys. A lot of veterans control the plate really well. It's a tough lineup to get through, all nine of us. We definitely feel really good up there.
*JP France: 6IP, 4H/1ER, 5K:5BB. His 6IP snap a three game streak of getting 17 outs or fewer, his five walks are the most since he walked six on June 10 @ Cleveland. France parlayed an early fix into a strong start.
*The Astros scored 12 runs. The Texans scored 9 points. Yesterday was the 4th time in Texans history they've been outscored by the baseball team since the advent of the cursed Texans franchise:
September 10, 2023 (Astros 12, Texans 9)
September 18, 2022 (Astros 11, Texans 9)
October 3, 2021 (Astros 7, Texans 0)
September 15, 2002 (Astros 8, Texans 3)
Other Stuff
*Jasson Dominguez has a torn UCL and will be out probably until next All-Star Break.
*Could Mike Trout actually be traded?
*The Texans achieved Scorigami yesterday.
What To Watch, September 11:
*Rangers @ Blue Jays: 6:07pm Central
A's @ Astros: 7:10pm
Bills @ Jets: 7:15pm
Angels @ Mariners: 8:40pm
*A Musical Selection. RIP Charlie Robison.