Another game, another day closer to Opening day. The tension is building around players looking for starting position or position period on the 25-man roster. One Astro that doesn't have to worry about his position on the roster is Collin McHugh, who got the start Tuesday in Port St. Lucie against the Mets. Even if he gave up a two-run home run to Mets third baseman David Wright. The Astros ended up winning 4-3. Let's look at the ups and downs from the game:
Positives
- Collin McHugh gave up two hits over his five innings, unfortunately both of those hits went for extra bases and turned into runs (Wright's home run and a Michael Cuddyer double). Collin McHugh was otherwise sharp - 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO. You read that right, seven strikeouts for Doctor McHugh.
- Kevin Chapman struck out Lucas Duda, the one batter he faced in the game. Chapman, Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek, Will Harris, and James Hoyt combined for four scoreless innings.
- Luis Valbuena was 2-for-2 with a double, walk, and an RBI in the three hole.
- Jake Marisnick was 2-for-2 with a solo home run.
- With two outs in the eight, the Astros rallied with two runs. Carlos Correa singled and moved to second on a balk. Robbie Grossman walked. Gregorio Petit and L.J. Hoes came through in the clutch with back-to-back singles to put the Astros in the lead 4-3.
Negatives
- Jose Altuve was 0-for-5 with six left on base for the day. The Mets should probably frame the box score that's never happening again. Jonathan Villar was 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
- James Hoyt walked two before completing the save in the ninth.
- Two out in the second, Johnny Monell hit a chopper directly at first baseman Chris Carter. Carter misread a hop at first leading to an error and run scored by the Mets.
The Astros are back in action Wednesday against the Phillies at 12:05 PM CT.