Pujols homers, gets 3 hits to propel Cards past Royals 6-5
Albert Pujols called his shot. The veteran slugger told Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol he was going to hit the first pitch he saw Tuesday night for a home run — and then did just that. Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner launched a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.
news.yahoo.comLEADING OFF: Opening day! Guardians debut, Ohtani and Braves
Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to deliver the first pitch of the season against Corbin Burnes and Milwaukee at Wrigley Field just past 2:20 p.m. EDT, the first of seven games still on the calendar amid rainy forecasts across the country.
Swing, then miss it: MLB pitchers could bat for final time
Grinning the whole time, Zack Greinke slipped into his Astros warmup jacket, joked with Freddie Freeman and got a friendly pat from the Atlanta star first baseman. Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. There’s a good chance Major League Baseball will bring the designated hitter to the National League next year — likely forever.
news.yahoo.comUnlikely hero, 2 HRs carry Braves to brink of Series title
A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler connected for back-to-back homers in the seventh inning Saturday night, propelling the Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a commanding 3-1 Series lead.
news.yahoo.comThe Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win
Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves can wrap up the title on their home field, just as they did two stadiums ago when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 1995. Swanson’s one-out drive made it 2-all and Soler followed with a liner to left field off reliever Cristian Javier.
news.yahoo.comAstros scramble after pitchers pounded for 25 runs by Boston
Houston's pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute. Kyle Schwarber hit Boston’s third grand slam in an 11-inning span, a drive off starter José Urquidy as part of a six-run second inning in Monday night's 12-3 rout that gave the Red Sox a 2-1 series lead. Boston hit four home runs, raising its total to nine off Astros pitching, which has a 7.96 ERA.
news.yahoo.comSiri, McCormick rally AL West-leading Astros past D-backs
Jose Siri and Chas McCormick hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning, rallying the AL West-leading Houston Astros over the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Sunday. Carlos Correa also homered as the Astros held their comfortable division lead over Oakland. Houston won for the fourth time in five games and cut Tampa Bay’s lead for the best record in the AL to 3 ½ games.
news.yahoo.comHey Siri! Astros rookie homers twice in 15-1 win at Rangers
Hey Siri, this was a first start to remember after all of those years working to get to the majors. Jose Siri homered twice and added a two-run single while becoming the first big league player since RBIs became official in 1920 to have two homers and five RBIs in a first career start as the AL West-leading Houston Astros overwhelmed the last-place Texas Rangers 15-1 on Monday night. “I feel really happy, I feel really proud of myself to be able to accomplish that," Siri, who finished 4 for 5 and scored three times, said through a translator.
news.yahoo.comLEADING OFF: Cole a go, Greinke returns, Brewers make pitch
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.78 ERA), pushed back because of left hamstring tightness, is set to start on six days’ rest at Baltimore. Cole will have a new shortstop behind him, too, after New York moved error-prone Gleyber Torres to second base Monday. Torres will spend the rest of the season at second, manager Aaron Boone said.
news.yahoo.comAstro Fans, We Need To Enjoy Zack Greinke More
^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. With that positive spirit in mind, I have come to the conclusion that we are not enjoying the fact that Zack Greinke is a Houston Astro nearly enough! Among players with Astro ties who could still conceivably go in before my love of fried foods wipes me out — Roger Clemens, Jeff Kent, Billy Wagner, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, and maybe Jose Altuve. Lastly, proof that being good at your job makes you "eccentric and funny" and being horrible at your job makes you "unfunny and annoying"I give you Zack Greinke, future Hall of Famer... The only milestones Zack Greinke cares about?
houstonpress.comAs the Rotation Goes, So Will Go the Astros
^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. His ability to stay healthy in the COVID-shortened season was as important for him as it was the Astros. Because of his injury history, it's difficult to imagine him completing an entire healthy season, which is why his importance to the rotation is a 50/50 proposition. Whitley still has killer stuff and remains the only serious pitching prospect for the Astros ready to play at the major-league level. If he can maintain control and, more critically, stay healthy, he has a chance to have a big impact on the Astros season.
houstonpress.comAstros Enter Game Five Down 3-1: Four Things to Watch
The Astros clawed their way to a win, looking more like the resilient team we were used to on Wednesday night. It was the kind of performance we've come to expect from the Astros over the last few seasons. Thursday night, however, is another game and another opportunity to stave off elimination or head home to Houston for a long offseason. Baker's ExperienceIn Game 4, Baker's decision to leave Greinke in the game turned out to be a master stroke. Looking AheadWe cannot help but wonder, if this ends the Astros season, what will the team look like next year?
houstonpress.comAstros Crush A's in Game Four, Advance to ALCS: Four Thoughts
It's incredible to think how hated the Astros are, but only peruse Twitter for a while and you can feel the hate. That was even more evident after the Game 4 win over the A's on Thursday. The Astros blasted Oakland 11-6, hitting four more home runs (both teams had a remarkable 23 in the four-game series) and moving on to the ALCS beginning Monday against the winner of the Rays-Yankees series. Yahoo Sports summed it up with the headline, "Like It or Not, Astros are Back in the ALCS." It was a bit of a surprise that Zack Greinke managed to play in this game.
houstonpress.comAstros Edge Twins in Game One: Four Thoughts
But, in the ninth inning of a pitcher's duel, the Astros came through with a 4-1 win thanks to walks, a fortunate error and timely hitting. In some ways, it was reminiscent of previous Astros teams taking advantage of unforced errors and being disciplined at the plate. With two outs in the ninth, the Astros should have been off the field and headed to the bottom of the inning tied at one. For all the worries over Astros pitching in light of Justin Verlander's injury and the loss of Gerrit Cole in free agency, Valdez is one of the real bright spots in their rotation's future. On Tuesday, he was the reason they won Game 1.
houstonpress.comFour Thoughts On Houston Astros' Upcoming Postseason
In 2017, the Astros went into the postseason with great hope and a newly acquired Justin Verlander. In 2018, they went into the postseason with experience from the previous year and, again, great hope, even if they were a little banged up. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/TmDcLupDIn — Houston Astros (@astros) September 26, 2020Still, with a football team in town that's 0-3, who am I to quibble over how or why our baseball team is celebrating a playoff berth, right? The condensed nature of this postseason, with fewer off days than a normal postseason, probably won't help much. Sadly, the Astros offseason carries far more intrigue than anything taking place on the field for them this postseason.
houstonpress.comGerrit Cole agrees to historic $324 million deal with Yankees, reports say
Various outlets, including ESPN and, report the Yankees and Cole have agreed on a nine-year deal valued at roughly $324 million. The deal comes a day after the Washington Nationals announced another Boras-negotiated contract for 2019 World Series Most Valuable Player Stephen Strasburg a seven-year deal valued at $245 million. Rounding out the remaining pitchers with an AAV of $30 million or more is Astros pitcher Justin Verlander ($33 million), Boston Red Sox lefty David Price ($31 million), Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw ($31 million), and Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer ($30 million). Once official, Cole's contract will be the fourth largest deal in MLB history behind Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton ($325 million), Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper ($330 million), and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout ($426.5 million). Padres third baseman Manny Machado is the only other player with a contract valued at $300 million or more.
cnbc.comBregman, Springer and Greinke win Silver Slugger Award
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Three Astros players were recognized on Thursday when Louisville Sluggers announced the 2019 Silver Slugger Award winners, which honors the top offensive players at each position in each league. Third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder George Springer both received their Silver Slugger Awards as Astros. Right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke, who team traded for during the season to bolster the Astros' pitching rotation, took him his second Silver Slugger Award for his time with the Diamondbacks. There is no Silver Slugger Award in the American League because pitchers do not take at-bats. Springer hit .292 this season while coming through with 39 homers, 96 RBI and 20 doubles to win his second Silver Slugger Award.
Bregman, Springer and Greinke win Silver Slugger Award
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Three Astros players were recognized on Thursday when Louisville Sluggers announced the 2019 Silver Slugger Award winners, which honors the top offensive players at each position in each league. Third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder George Springer both received their Silver Slugger Awards as Astros. Right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke, who team traded for during the season to bolster the Astros' pitching rotation, took him his second Silver Slugger Award for his time with the Diamondbacks. There is no Silver Slugger Award in the American League because pitchers do not take at-bats. Springer hit .292 this season while coming through with 39 homers, 96 RBI and 20 doubles to win his second Silver Slugger Award.
Greinke, Astros recognized for defensive strength
The Astros defensive prowess this season was recognized when the 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards were given out on Wednesday, with the team and pitcher Zack Greinke garnering awards. The Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards honor the top defensive player in MLB at every position. Greinke, the veteran righthander won Defensive Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. Then the Astros were named Defensive Team of the Year for the first time on the strength of outstanding play from players like shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielders Jake Marisnick and George Springer and then Greinke on the mound. Greinke also took home his sixth Golden Glove on Sunday.
Greinke, Astros recognized for defensive strength
The Astros defensive prowess this season was recognized when the 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards were given out on Wednesday, with the team and pitcher Zack Greinke garnering awards. The Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards honor the top defensive player in MLB at every position. Greinke, the veteran righthander won Defensive Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. Then the Astros were named Defensive Team of the Year for the first time on the strength of outstanding play from players like shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielders Jake Marisnick and George Springer and then Greinke on the mound. Greinke also took home his sixth Golden Glove on Sunday.
Astros fan takes out ad to thank classy Washington Nationals fans
This ad was in todays Houston Chronicle. Thank you Nats fans and congratulations. #Astros pic.twitter.com/EFjAUEUjVb Jack Belcher (@JackBelcher1) November 3, 2019WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- During this postseason so far, some Astros fans found out not everyone loves Houston, especially die-hard Yankees fans in New York.In one instance, a Yankees fan was reportedly removed after taunting Astros pitcher Zack Greinke during the American League Championship Series.Other Astros fans said they were heckled during Game 5 of the ALCS by some overly aggressive Yankees fans, but are holding no grudges.But thankfully, it appears Astros fans had some kinder encounters in Washington, D.C. as the Astros played the Nationals. In fact, in the ultimate show of sportsmanship, one Astros fan thanked Nats' fans for their hospitality.The fan, who remained anonymous, took out a quarter page ad in the Washington Post Monday called "An open letter to Nats fans. "Thanks for keeping it classy, D.C.
abc13.comGreinke wins Rawlings Gold Glove Award
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Even though the World Series didn't go the Astros' way, Pitcher Zack Greinke received a big honor Sunday night.Rawlings Sporting Goods Company announced that Greinke has won a National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award.The announcement was made on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight. "While Greinke is a member of the Astros organization, he officially wins the award as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a statement released by the Astros.Greinke was traded by Arizona to Houston in July 2019.Alex Bregman, Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, and Josh Reddick were all finalists for the American League version of the award.Altuve won a Gold Glove in 2015 and Reddick was honored with one in 2012 when he played for Oakland.The Rawlings Gold Glove Award was created in 1957 and serves as the highest symbol of defensive excellence in Major League Baseball, according to a statement.
abc13.comHinch: 'I'll have to live with' bullpen decision in Game 7
After Greinke allowed a homer to Anthony Rendon and walked Juan Soto, Hinch handed a 2-1 lead to Harris in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7. Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner who joined the Astros from Arizona at the trade deadline, had looked strong all night. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday. "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said. "I think I made a pretty good pitch," Harris said.
What Gerrit Cole said after Astros World Series loss that makes it sound like he's moved on
EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said. "But whatever the outcome, he did have some kind words for the city of Houston when asked about his tenure with Houston.
abc13.comWhy Astros manager says he didn't turn to Gerrit Cole in Game 7
EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. EMBED >More News Videos Astros' Gerrit Cole finally joins social mediaEMBED >More News Videos Astros introduce newest pitching ace Gerrit ColeHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After a heartbreaking loss for the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night, one question that appears to be lingering is why pitcher Gerrit Cole wasn't out there on the mound.He was one of the options available to Astros manager A.J. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "We just went over the game plan and he laid out the most advantageous times to use me," Cole said.
abc13.comWhy didn't Astros' Gerrit Cole pitch in Game 7 of World Series?
EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. EMBED >More News Videos Astros' Gerrit Cole finally joins social mediaEMBED >More News Videos Astros introduce newest pitching ace Gerrit ColeHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After a heartbreaking loss for the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night, one question that appears to be lingering is why pitcher Gerrit Cole wasn't out there on the mound.He was one of the options available to Astros manager A.J. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said.
abc13.comAstros Lose World Series Game 7: Four Winners, Four Losers
The Astros fell 6-2 in game seven of the World Series. For now, the Astros head into the postseason short of their ultimate goal. HinchThe questioning of Hinch and his choices with pitching in game seven will linger for quite a while. Home Field AdvantageFor the first time in sports history, the road team won every single game of a seven-game series. They left another nine on base with plenty of guys at second and third throughout game seven that they could not get across the plate.
houstonpress.comWhy was Gerrit Cole not called to the mound in Game 7?
None of the arms called to come out of the bullpen belonged to Gerrit Cole. He bristled at the initial question regarding why Cole was in the bullpen seemingly getting loose to enter the game when he was asked was Cole available. When asked why he went with other pitchers rather than Cole, Hinch said he was going to use Cole to close the game. Hinch basically said he was only putting Cole into the game if the Astros had the lead and he could go get the outs needed to close out the game. After the game, Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos told reporters, I thought he (Cole) was going to have a chance to pitch tonight.
Where did it go wrong? Here's a closer look at how it all unraveled for the Astros
Zack Greinke looks on prior to Game 7 of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019, in Houston. The champagne was chilling and the sellout crowd of 43,326 was ready to party and celebrate Houstons second World Series title. All was good, but then the wheels came off quickly as the Nationals erased a 2-0 Astros lead. The Nationals bullpen seals the deal and ends the Astros seasonShellshocked by the Nationals comeback, the Astros bats went silent down the stretch. The season ended on a Brantley strikeout and the World Series was officially over.
World Series 2019: Nationals jump Astros bullpen to take Game 7 and 1st title
Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Quick facts on Astros star Alex Bregman. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals completed a World Series that became the first championship final in the major North American sports in which every game was won by the road team. Scoreless after one.Despite 21-year-old Juan Soto connecting on a hit, Greinke retired the numbers four, five and six hitters of the Nationals order.
abc13.comWorld Series 2019: Astros behind late in do-or-die Game 7
Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Quick facts on Astros star Alex Bregman. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at winning their second world championship in three season in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals, who are going for the first title in their history. He got another one-two-three inning.Patrick Corbin relieved Max Scherzer to begin the Astros' home half.
abc13.comHAPPENING NOW: Astros take early lead in World Series Game 7
Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Houston Astros slugger Jose Altuve got a good luck gift from his friend, Houston Texan J.J. Watt, on the eve of a potential World Series title clincher. EMBED >More News Videos This is where some of your favorite Houston Astros players were spotted, and why Josh Reddick is just like us. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at taking it back in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals.
abc13.comCould Astros fans tell difference between Greinke and Verlander?
EMBED >More News Videos Astros fans try to guess between Verlander and Greinke. "I just bought $400 worth of tickets when I usually buy $100 tickets. I'm excited," said Astros fan Ney Oldham.Overpaying is what Kayla Ramsey of Midtown Premium Sports Tickets says you'll probably be doing if you want to see Greinke's first Astros start. We were robbed in '86 by the Mets and the umpires. This time, ain't nobody going to beat us," Oldham said.
abc13.comHAPPENING NOW: Astros' last chance at 2nd world title underway
EMBED >More News Videos Houston Astros slugger Jose Altuve got a good luck gift from his friend, Houston Texan J.J. Watt, on the eve of a potential World Series title clincher. EMBED >More News Videos This is where some of your favorite Houston Astros players were spotted, and why Josh Reddick is just like us. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at taking it back in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals. Here's the inning by inning highlights in descending order:Despite 21-year-old Juan Soto connecting on a hit, Greinke retired the numbers four, five and six hitters of the Nationals order. Or the solidification of the Astros as a bonified dynasty with more titles to come.
abc13.comCountdown 2 first pitch of game 7
Houston - We have waited patiently all day for tonight's Game 7 between the Astros and Nationals. The Astros need to set the tone and attack Scherzer early and strike first in the opening inning. I trust the bullpen but Greinke needs to deliver. They need to play relaxed just like they did in game six that produced a win and evened this World Series at three games a piece. They need Trea Turner to produce in the leadoff spot and rely on guys like Rendon, Soto, and Zimmerman to get after Greinke early in the game.
World Series Game 7: Astros host Nationals
Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates as he rounds the bases on his two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the 4th inning in Game 5 of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington, DC. (CNN) - You could almost say the Washington Nationals have the Houston Astros right where they want them. The National League champs have perennial all-star pitcher Max Scherzer starting the deciding World Series contest and Wednesday night's Game 7 is for the Nationals a road contest. And the road team winning the World Series decider is a recent trend; the past five events were won on the road. The Nationals won when they scored 10 runs in the final three innings.
United Airlines holds auction for Astros fans wanting to go to Game 7
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you want to go to Game 7 of the World Series without breaking the bank, your airline miles can get you there.According to United Airlines, they have opened up to MileagePlus auctions for customers to bid their miles for a chance to watch the Astros against the Nationals in a winner-take-all battle.The seats up for auction are two mezzanine seats and two suite seats Fans will need to hurry to place their bids. The auctions will run until 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. but keep checking the website, as it may be extended due to popcorn bidding.The game is set for 7:08 p.m., with Astros pitcher Zack Greinke taking the mound.
abc13.comScherzer vs. Greinke is must-see TV Game 7 drama
A matchup devoid of late-inning drama that's threatening to set a record low for television ratings has suddenly turned into must-see TV. "Maybe not how we drew it up in terms of how we got there, but it doesn't take away the opportunity we have to win the World Series," Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch said. The Nationals rallied to extend the only World Series where the road team has taken the six first games. Greinke gave up one run over 4 2/3 innings in his first World Series start when the Astros took Game 3. "For the people that followed this team the whole season, it had to be this way," Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle said.
Washington Nationals defeat Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 7 to win World Series
The Washington Nationals came back Wednesday night from being down two runs for most of the game to win 6-2 and become World Champions. It's the first World Series win in the history of the Nationals' franchise. Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and the Nats brought the first World Series championship to the nation's capital since ol' Walter Johnson delivered the crown for the Senators in 1924. So close to seeing the Astros win their second crown in three years, they watched their chance suddenly vanish as Houston fell apart. This World Series had lacked a lot of drama, aside from a volatile call of interference in Washington's Game 6 win that stoked heated debate across the sports world.
cbsnews.comAstros fan takes out ad to thank classy Washington Nationals fans
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- During this postseason so far, some Astros fans found out not everyone loves Houston, especially die-hard Yankees fans in New York.In one instance, a Yankees fan was reportedly removed after taunting Astros pitcher Zack Greinke during the American League Championship Series.Other Astros fans said they were heckled during Game 5 of the ALCS by some overly aggressive Yankees fans, but are holding no grudges.But thankfully, it appears Astros fans had some kinder encounters in Washington, D.C. as the Astros play the Nationals.In fact, in the ultimate show of sportsmanship, one Astros fan thanked Nats' fans for their hospitality.The fan, who remained anonymous, took out a quarter page ad in the Washington Post Monday called "An open letter to Nats fans. "The letter said, "whether in restaurants, on the way to the game, or at our seats, Nats fans have been nothing but thoroughly friendly, engaging and welcoming" to the Astros fan and their family who traveled to D.C. for the series.Even when wearing Astros gear, the fan said he or she never saw the kind of vitriol seen in other cities.Thanks for it keeping it classy, D.C.
abc13.comHow the Astros took over this series
The momentum is now clearly in the Astros' corner as they come home with a chance to clinch the World Series in front of the home fans Tuesday night. Here are the top keys to the Astros turnaround:PITCHING TOOK DOWN THE NATSAfter the Nationals beat both Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in games 1 and 2, the Astros showed their depth. The story of the weekend, though, was 24-year-old Jose Urquidy stepping up and delivering five solid innings holding the Nationals lineup in check in his World Series debut. OFFENSE IMPROVEDThe Astros went from ice cold in games 1 and 2 to red hot by Sunday night. Verlander will be looking for his first career World Series win.
TAKE IT BACK: Astros rally to take must-win Game 3 in D.C
Down 0-2 and with the World Series turning to Washington, the Astros' odds of a comeback is....EMBED >More News Videos Let's just hope the Washington Nationals just jinxed themselves by doing this. "I just liked the competitiveness of our at-bats," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Houston can even things up in Game 4 on Saturday night at Nationals Park. The 35-year-old righty had taken a no-hitter into the eighth inning of his previous start, in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis two weeks earlier. He is 1-2 with a 6.91 ERA, including one scoreless inning in relief during Game 1 of the World Series.
abc13.comAstros take Game 3: What we learned from the win
Houston's win pulled the Astros to within 2-1 in the series with Game 4 Saturday night at Nationals Park and now a definitive Game 5 Sunday night also at Nationals Park. WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM THE ASTROS GAME 3 WINGREINKE WASN'T GREAT BUT WAS GOOD ENOUGHZack Greinke got the start and benefited from early run support. They knew down deep and admitted so Friday night after the win that they had to win to keep their season alive. The Astros are baseball's best team and are mentally strong in all phases of their game. Sunday in Game 5 now ensures a rematch from Game 1 with Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer on the mound once again.
Game 3 starter retrospective: Here's a look at how each starter set up their team
Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Before the World Series, Zack Greinke would have been at a huge on-paper advantage over Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez started Game 3 for the Nationals coming off 7.2 scoreless innings against the Cardinals. After two shocking wins in Houston, the Nationals held a giant series advantage with a hot pitcher as the #3 starter. Here's a look at how each starter set their team up in a 4-1 Astros win. ASTROS Zack Greinke4.2 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 6 KGreinke labored through 95 high-leverage pitches, giving up seven hits.
TAKE IT BACK: Astros rally to take Game 3 in D.C
Down 0-2 and with the World Series turning to Washington, the Astros' odds of a comeback is....EMBED >More News Videos Let's just hope the Washington Nationals just jinxed themselves by doing this. "I just liked the competitiveness of our at-bats," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Houston can even things up in Game 4 on Saturday night at Nationals Park. The 35-year-old righty had taken a no-hitter into the eighth inning of his previous start, in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis two weeks earlier. He is 1-2 with a 6.91 ERA, including one scoreless inning in relief during Game 1 of the World Series.
abc13.comWhat we learned from the starters for Astros and Nationals in World Series Game 3
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning in Game Three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC.Before the World Series, Zack Greinke would have been at a huge on-paper advantage over Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez started Game 3 for the Nationals coming off 7.2 scoreless innings against the Cardinals. After two shocking wins in Houston, the Nationals held a giant series advantage with a hot pitcher as the #3 starter. ASTROS Zack Greinke4.2 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 6 KGreinke labored through 95 high-leverage pitches, giving up 7 hits. Greinke pitched with baserunners in scoring position in every inning, but still managed to give up just 1 run.
Astros in must-win Game 3 in DC to shift World Series momentum
EMBED >More News Videos ABC13 coverage of the Rockets championship in 1994. Down 0-2 and with the World Series turning to Washington, the Astros' odds of a comeback is....EMBED >More News Videos Let's just hope the Washington Nationals just jinxed themselves by doing this. He shut out the Nationals in their ballpark on June 13 when he was with Arizona.You also can't ignore Greinke's acumen at the plate. Unfortunately for the Astros, there may not be a tomorrow after that. Game 5 on Sunday is only necessary if Houston can win at least one matchup between Friday and Saturday.
abc13.comHere's what the Astros need to do to win Game 3
For the record, I hate this rule in the World Series, where I believe DH should be in effect the entire series. Greinke and Chirinos need a great game and one that sees Greinke go at least five to six innings. Altuve has been lights out as usual in the World Series, with solid work in the box from Michael Brantley. Those are a few keys to an Astros win. Stay tuned to KPRC Channel 2 and to our great digital coverage on Click2Houston.com for all of your expanded Astros World Series coverage.
Countdown 2 First PItch: Astros Keys to a Game 3 Win
TOP 5 KEYS FOR THE ASTROS TO WIN GAME 3GRIENKE NEEDS TO PITCH DEEPZack Greinke was acquired for moments like he will face tonight and the pressure that goes with postseason baseball. For the record, I hate this rule in the World Series where I believe DH should be in effect the entire series. Altuve has been lights out as usual in the World Series with solid work in the box from Michael Brantley. Those are a few keys to an Astros win. Stay tuned to KPRC Channel 2 and to our great digital coverage on Click2Houston.com for all of your expanded Astros World Series coverage!
14 Astros players making their World Series debut
STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series:
abc13.comThis is who will start World Series Games 1-3 for the Astros
HOUSTON - Game 1: Gerrit ColeCole has been the best pitcher in baseball this season and the best pitcher in the playoffs. Game 2: Justin VerlanderVerlander and Cole flip-flop from the ALDS to the World Series, giving the Astros one of the best Game 2 starters of the decade. In his three starts on full rest, Verlander has a 2.61 ERA, winning two of those three games for the Astros. 1 overall pick, Strasburg has been one of the best playoff starters ever. The Astros put up eight runs in Game 5, saving Greinke from an inefficient start.