Game Thread 2. April 2, 2021, 9:07 CDT. Astros @ A’s.

The Astros won their record-tying ninth straight Opening Season game 8-1 last night behind excellent pitching by Zack Greinke and homers by Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley, one of his three hits for the night.

Tonight the Astros send Cristian Javier to the mound, one of the pleasant surprises of 2020. He only pitched three innings in Spring Training, so his longevity and effectiveness remain to be seen.

In response, the A’s bring their own youngster, 23-year-old Peruvian Jesus Luzardo, who pitched to a 3-2 record in 2020 and a 4.12 ERA.

HERE’S THE BIG NEWS

MLB has decided to move the All-Star Game from Atlanta this year because of Georgia’s new voting law.

Whether you agree or not, baseball has clearly inserted itself into American politics.

BUT HERE AT TCB WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE GAME OF BASEBALL, NOT THE POLITICS OF BASEBALL.

If you feel a need to proselytize the rest of us about your infallible political opinions, go to Twitter. Rest assured, this is a highly intelligent and well-informed group of people and your meager two cents is not going to change anyone’s mind.

This is a community of people who love the game of baseball and love the Astros. Let’s keep it that way. Keep your political rants somewhere else. Keep your subtle political insinuations somewhere else.

Let’s all just get along, and keep TCB a place where Astros lovers can love their team and love one another.

Mods will be especially active tonight.

Go Stros