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Astros Face Brewers, Look to Extend Winning Streak
Preface
When Houston Astros’ general director Dana Brown recently dismissed the idea of the struggling Astros being merchandisers at the trade deadline, his optimism was grounded on the belief that the team could string together a winning streak to get back into playoff contention. With a 5- 4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in the opener of their three- game interleague series, the Astros extended their winning streak to six games and have now won eight of their last nine. Despite still being five games under.500, the Astros are showing signs of positive momentum as they head into Saturday evening’s clash in Houston.
Astros’ Recent Performance
Momentum and Urgency
” I see a team playing with urgency,” Astros director Joe Espada said.” We have got some edge to our game, on both sides of the ball. You can see the swagger, hear the energy. It’s time for us to pick it up and play our baseball, and we are doing that.”
The Astros usedmulti-run homers from Jake Meyers and Jeremy Pena to make an early lead, and four relievers held on to save a one- run advantage over four innings. Former Milwaukee closer Josh Hader secured the victory with his sixth save, capping an each- around team effort that seems to confirm the Astros are finding their stride.
” We know we have got a great team,” Pena said.” We have got to keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and do the little things right playing good defense, pitching well, and driving runners in with two outs. And that is what we are doing.”
Upcoming Pitching Matchup
Justin Verlandervs. Bryse Wilson
Right- hander Justin Verlander( 2- 1,3.38 ERA) is set to start for the Astros on Saturday. He’s coming off his best launch of the season, having pitched seven scoreless innings with just two hits, two walks, and a season-high eight strikeouts in a 9- 3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Verlander has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five starts this season. He’s 2- 0 with a1.57 period over four career starts against the Spirits, including his first of three career no- hitters and a single- game high of 15 strikeouts against them.
The Brewers will counter with right- hander Bryse Wilson( 2- 1,2.65 ERA). In his last launch, Wilson allowed two runs on five hits and five walks with one strikeout over four innings in a 4- 3 loss to theSt. Louis Cardinals. Wilson has made two scoreless relief appearances against the Astros, both last season.
Brewers’ Recent Performance
Strong Start and Joey Ortiz’s Impact
While the Astros are working their way back into playoff contention, Milwaukee leads the National League Central with a 26- 18 record under first- year director Pat Murphy. Brewers novitiate third baseman Joey Ortiz continued his hot streak at the plate on Friday, finishing 3- for- 4 with his seventh double, fifth home run, and three RBIs. He was just a triadic short of the cycle. Ortiz is batting.347 with five homers and 12 RBIs over his once 16 games. Acquired as part of the trade that sent right- hander Corbin Burnes to Baltimore, Ortiz has been a standout.
Ortiz’s three- run homer in the fourth inning on Friday temporarily gave the Brewers the lead. Before flying out against Hader in the ninth inning, Ortiz had reached base safely eight straight times, becoming the first Milwaukee player to do so since Jace Peterson in August 2021.
” He is looked great,” Murphy said of Ortiz.” Both offensively and on defense. He is stepped up.”
Conclusion
With the Astros aiming to extend their winning streak and the Brewers looking to maintain their lead in the National League Central, Saturday’s game promises to be competitive and engaging. crucial player performances and strategic adaptations will be key as both brigades strive for palm. Fans can await an edgy competition as Houston and Milwaukee clash in the second game of their interleague series.
