The Crawfish Boxes - AL West Series: Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, May 19-21, 2014Astros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2014-05-22T03:05:28-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/54970372014-05-22T03:05:28-05:002014-05-22T03:05:28-05:00Springer hurts right hip flexor on pickoff
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<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>George Springer comes up limping after being picked off by Jered Weaver in the ninth inning during the Astros' 2-1 loss. </p> <p>Things couldn't get much worse for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> in their final game in Anaheim. <span>Jered Weaver</span> pitched a complete game, holding the<a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/22/5740608/angels-2-astros-1-houston-shut-down-by-weaver"> Astros to one run on two hits.</a> Weaver hit <span>George Springer</span> with a pitch with one out in the ninth. He then proceeded to pick the Astros outfielder off at first. The burn from the pickoff was quickly forgotten as Springer began to limp off the field. You can watch the clip here, but you won't be able to recreate the panic that ran through Astros fans on twitter at that moment -</p>
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<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/0/v33062351/houlaa-springer-limps-off-field-after-picked-off/?c_id=mlb">Video: Springer limps off field | MLB.com</a><br>5/21/14: George Springer limps off the field after being picked off on a close play at first base in the top of the 9th inning</p>
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<p>Springer made a hard jolt back to the bag, and appeared to be favoring his knee. The update tweets were the only source of information at the moment -</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Astros still in the dugout trying to see what's going on with Springer. He's bent over in pain in dugout.</p>
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMoralesCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuliaMoralesCSN/statuses/469336082211799040">May 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Lots of Astros teammates still around Springer, trainer Rex Jones is there, manager Bo Porter, VIllar, Brock, others.</p>
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/469336189149777921">May 22, 2014</a>
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<p>The preliminary diagnosis was announced a short time later.</p>
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<p>Right hip flexor strain for Springer. Luhnow says strength test better than anticipated. He will be evaluated tomorrow</p>
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/469339624519643136">May 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Of course we turned to our resident doctor of physical therapy, Subber10, for a clarification of that diagnoses -</p>
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<p>Hip flexors are a group of three muscles primarily. There are a few more but three primary ones. The tensor fascia lata (tfl) and a group of two known as the iliopsoas. The iliopsoas is a combination of the iliacus and psoas major. They are just referred to as one.</p>
<p>They flex the hip, or raise it toward the front for more generic phrasing.</p>
<p>When any muscle gets too much tension on it, it gets torn some. The amount of tearing determines the grade of a strain.</p>
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<p>The news appeared to be on the less scary side of the spectrum after the media talked to Springer -</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Springer: "Just gave out on me, I'll be alright. Just went to go back to the bag and it just went." Said pain had subsided</p>
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/469345859583213568">May 22, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Springer said this has happened before. "I mean it's happened, but my body will bounce back." He said at least 3 times, "I'll be alright."</p>
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/469346158087634944">May 22, 2014</a>
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<p>At this moment, it appears the Springer has dodged a bullet and may only need to ice down his knee and rest. We will have to wait and see when the team gets to Seattle for further updates. The Astros take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> Thursday at 9:10 p.m.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/22/5740852/springer-hurts-right-hip-flexor-on-pickoffRyan Dunsmore2014-05-22T00:20:20-05:002014-05-22T00:20:20-05:00Angels 2, Astros 1: Houston shut down by Weaver
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<img alt="George Spriner reacts after getting picked off by Jered Weaver in the ninth inning of Wednesday's loss." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fQaF8RXDD_zKcZNcVh3NvqNbYw8=/0x227:3690x2687/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33356827/492811857.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>George Spriner reacts after getting picked off by Jered Weaver in the ninth inning of Wednesday's loss. | Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>Edward S. Garza details the Astros' 2-1 loss against Jered Weaver and the LAA Angels.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> failed to solve <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> starter <span>Jered Weaver</span> on Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the rubber game of a three-game series.</p>
<p>For Houston, <span>Collin McHugh</span> made the game a pitchers' duel over seven innings, but Weaver was the story of the night. The 31-year-old came within one run of what some baseball writers have termed <a target="_blank" href="http://groundballwitheyes.blogspot.com/2012/04/maddux.html">a "Maddux"</a>: a complete game shutout wherein the starter throws fewer than 100 pitches.</p>
<p>Indeed, Weaver's pitching style evoked the recent Hall of Fame inductee. He struck out only five batters while inducing weak contact throughout the night, finishing with 94 pitches. In the end, he surrendered just two hits, a walk, and a hit batsman. Weaver accomplished this all while hurling a fastball in the mid-to-high 80s and a curveball that sometimes dipped into the 60s.</p>
<p>The biggest bright spot for the 'Stros, of course, was McHugh, the game's tough-luck loser. He allowed only two earned runs on four hits over seven innings, tallying seven strikeouts along the way. One of the four hits was a home run by <span>Albert Pujols</span>, but McHugh was otherwise able to limit hard contact. With his performance, he lowered his season ERA to 3.32 and raised his innings total to 38.</p>
<p>For the Astros' offense, <span>George Springer</span> provided both joy and frustration. Leading off the fourth inning, he pummeled a slider over the left field fence, tying the game at 1. The homer was the fourth of the outfielder's young career.</p>
<p>Later, with one out in the ninth, Springer got to first after being hit by a Weaver fastball (which, at 84 MPH, must not have hurt much). However, with <span>Dexter Fowler</span> at the plate representing the go-ahead run, Springer committed perhaps the worst rookie error: he got picked off. His miscue brought Weaver within one out of his complete game, which he promptly finished by inducing a popout from Fowler.</p>
<p>With the Angels series finished, the Astros now turn their sights to Seattle, where they will start a four-game set tomorrow night. <span>Jarred Cosart</span> will toe the rubber for Houston, facing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a>' young lefty Roenis Elias. Against Seattle on April 23rd, Cosart pitched 6.2 innings while allowing only two earned runs.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p><strong>Notes</strong></p>
<p>--Besides Springer's home run, Houston's only other hit was a double by <span>Jason Castro</span>.</p>
<p>--Against the Astros on April 6th, Weaver struggled through 5.2 innings, surrendering five earned runs on five hits and taking the loss. Obviously, the righty executed more effectively on Wednesday, bringing his season ERA down to 3.14.</p>
<p>--Regarding the "Maddux" stat, its namesake still holds the all-time record for it: 13. Since 1988, the year in which MLB started to more consistently track pitch-counts, the pitcher with the second-most Madduxes is lefty Zane Smith, who twirled seven.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/22/5740608/angels-2-astros-1-houston-shut-down-by-weaverEdward Santos Garza2014-05-21T21:05:08-05:002014-05-21T21:05:08-05:00Game thread for Angels No. 3
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as Houston wraps up its series against the Angels.</p> <h4> <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> at <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim, May 21, 2014 9:05 PM CDT</h4>
<p><strong>TV: </strong>CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><strong>Radio:</strong> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><strong>Angels SBNation Blog: </strong><a href="http://www.halosheaven.com/"><strong>Halos Heaven</strong></a></p>
<h4>Pitching Matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>Collin McHugh</span> (2-2, 3.48 ERA) vs. LHP <span>Jered Weaver</span> (4-3, 3.14 ERA)</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table cellspacing="0" class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> <th align="left">LOS ANGELES ANGELS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Howie Kendrick</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Erick Aybar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Dexter Fowler</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Albert Pujols</span> - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jason Castro</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Raul Ibanez</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>David Freese</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Chris Carter</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Kole Calhoun</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jesus Guzman</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Hank Conger</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Alex Presley</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Collin Cowgill</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jonathan Villar</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Efren Navarro</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Collin McHugh - RHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Jered Weaver - RHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/21/5731594/gamethread-for-houston-astros-at-los-angeles-angels-may-21-2014-9-05David Coleman2014-05-21T20:00:05-05:002014-05-21T20:00:05-05:00Game #47 Preview: Astros vs. Angels
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
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<p>Astros hope to win third straight series, facing Angels with Mike Trout out of the lineup. </p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> at <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim, May 21, 2014 9:05 PM CDT</h4>
<p><b>TV: </b>CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><b>Radio:</b> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><b>Angels SBNation Blog: <a href="http://www.halosheaven.com/">Halos Heaven</a></b></p>
<h4>Pitching Matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>Collin McHugh</span> (2-2, 3.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Jered Weaver</span> (4-3, 3.14 ERA, 1.10 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
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<h4 style="line-height: 16px;">Series Preview Quote</h4>
<p>Jered Weaver may not electric stuff anymore, but he still has the knowledge and skill to outpitch any batter in the majors. He has given up just four earned runs over his last 21.1 innings of work. He has 17 strikeouts and six walks during that stretch. He is coming off a tough-luck loss against Tampa Bay where he gave up two runs over seven innings.<br><span>Jason Castro</span>, <span>Matt Dominguez</span>, <span>Jesus Guzman</span>, and <span>Alex Presley</span> each have a home run in their careers in six at-bats or less. <span>Jose Altuve</span> is 2-for-6 in his career against Weaver.<br>Collin McHugh continues to show he deserves to be in the majors since his call up to replace <span>Scott Feldman</span> while on the disabled list. He gave up four runs against against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> in his last outing, striking out seven and walking three. If not for a fastball down the middle to <span>Adam Dunn</span>, McHugh may have been able out of the inning.<br>McHugh has a quality start in three of his five starts, and this will be the first time the active Angels' roster faces him.</p>
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<h4></h4>
<p>The Astros have been given a gift tonight, <span>Mike Trout</span> is out of the lineup with tightness in his hamstrings. He played 157 games, and it's not a stretch to think he will do the same again. Trout had been struggling, he is hitting .185 (12-65) in the month of May.</p>
<p><span>David Freese</span> returned from his DL stint with a bang, going 2-for-5 with four RBIs last night. Surprising enough, he the only batter that has previously faced tonight's Astros starter Collin McHugh. He is 1-for-4 with a strike out.</p>
<p>Tonight's Angels starter, Jered Weaver, is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two career starts against the Astros. Both of those starts have come at Houston, he has a 3.24 ERA at home this season.</p>
<div>If the Astros are able to secure the win tonight, this would be this first time they had won three straight series in a row since early September 2010.</div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/21/5740042/game-47-preview-houston-astros-17-29-vs-los-angeles-angels-25-20Ryan Dunsmore2014-05-20T21:05:08-05:002014-05-20T21:05:08-05:00Game thread for Angels No. 2
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<figcaption>Greg Fiume</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as the Astros play the middle game in a series with the Angels.</p> <p></p>
<h4> <br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim, May 20, 2014 9:05 PM CDT</h4>
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<h4></h4>
<p><br><strong>TV: </strong>CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><strong>Radio:</strong> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><strong>Angels SBNation Blog: <a href="http://www.halosheaven.com/">Halos Heaven</a></strong></p>
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<h4>Pitching Matchup</h4>
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<h4></h4>
<p><br>RHP <span>Scott Feldman</span> (2-1, 2.63 ERA) vs. LHP <span>Tyler Skaggs</span> (3-1, 4.53 ERA)</p>
<p><br><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DnVrSZHnvYY" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
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<h4></h4>
<p><br>King Keuchel, Kid Keuchel, whatever you call him, has vaulted the Astros into a three-game winning streak with his tremendous effort Monday night. Scott Feldman hopes to match that effort against Tyler Skaggs.</p>
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<h4>Series Preview Quote</h4>
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<div> <br><blockquote> <br><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; line-height: 15px;">The Astros made Tyler Skaggs look like the rebirth of Cy Young in his first major league start in Houston on April 5. He pitched 8.1 innings - giving one unearned run on four hits, walking one, and striking out five. He has been workhorse since, pitching through the seven in five of his eight previous starts. He is coming of one of his poorest outing, giving up five runs over six inning against Tampa Bay on May 15.</p> <br><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; line-height: 15px;"><span>Jesus Guzman</span> is 1-for-8 with a home run and two walks off Skaggs. <span>Jose Altuve</span> is 1-for-2 with a walk. <span>Chris Carter</span>, <span>Matt Dominguez</span> are hitless in their careers against the lefty.</p> <br><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; line-height: 15px;">Scott Feldman hasn't been as perfect as he was before his forearm strain, but he has been good enough to give the Astros a chance to win games. He has given up six runs in 11 innings since coming back from the disabled list. He was the winner in the Astros' lone victory against Angels in their first encounter - pitching seven innings one-run baseball on April 6.</p> <br><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; line-height: 15px;"><span>Erick Aybar</span> (10-22, 2 2B, 2 3B), <span>Raul Ibanez</span> (5-17, 2B, HR), and <span>Howie Kendrick</span> (9-20, 2B, HR) have long successful track records against Feldman. <span>Mike Trout</span> is 1-for-6 in his career against Feldman. Brennan Boesch,<span>Kole Calhoun</span>, <span>Collin Cowgill</span>, and <span>Albert Pujols</span> are hitless against the Astros' number one.</p> <br> </blockquote> <br> </div>
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<h4>Lineups</h4>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <br><h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <br><div class="lineup"> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> <th align="left">LOS ANGELES ANGELS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Erick Aybar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Mike Trout</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Dexter Fowler</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Albert Pujols</span> - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jason Castro</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Raul Ibanez</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Howie Kendrick</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Chris Carter</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>David Freese</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jesus Guzman</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Hank Conger</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Carlos Corporan</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Collin Cowgill</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jonathan Villar</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Efren Navarro</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Scott Feldman - RHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Tyler Skaggs - LHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> </div> <br> </div>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/20/5731572/gamethread-for-houston-astros-at-los-angeles-angels-may-20-2014-9-05David Coleman2014-05-20T00:36:49-05:002014-05-20T00:36:49-05:00Early offense, masterful Keuchel fell Angels
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<img alt="Dallas Keuchel and Marwin Gonzalez celebrate the win" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yCc-fbOLHhD6u9KGWsmGKSVIE-M=/0x60:4000x2727/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33257775/20140519_ajl_ak6_316.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dallas Keuchel and Marwin Gonzalez celebrate the win | Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There were photos of Keuchel's exasperation at Mike Trout reaching in the ninth available, and one of him looking grim while coming off the mound. But I'm not using those.</p> <p>Because frustration should not be our emotion right now. Keuchel didn't complete is second straight shutout this evening. But that doesn't matter. It feels like it matters, but it really doesn't. Even those two runs that will forever taint his ERA don't<i> really</i> matter (though they hurt).</p>
<p>No friends. What matters is that, for another night, the Astros came out swinging and scored five runs in the first third of the game (they're now 16-3 when scoring at least five runs, by the way). What matters is that Dallas Keuchel looked like Tom Glavine on the mound again. What matters is that the bullpen <i>didn't</i> lose the lead that he eventually handed over to them.</p>
<p>And, above and beyond, forever and always, what matters is that the Houston Astros had at least one more run on the board than the other guys did when the final out of the ninth inning was recorded.</p>
<p>Jose Altuve, Jason Castro and Matt Dominguez all checked in with multi-hit performances, George Springer and Dexter Fowler both had a hit and a walk apiece, and Chris Carter even chimed in with a timely RBI knock. For what I would claim was the seventh time in the last 11 games, the Astros offense looked like a real Major League offense. Altuve is hitting over .300; Dominguez has an OPS over .800 for the month, and Fowler's is over .900. You may now insert your "It's Happening" GIFs in the comments section below.</p>
<p>For a game that had gone so smoothly for eight straight innings, the ninth left much that will be discussed. Chief among these topics will be Bo Porter's handling of Keuchel in that ninth inning. Some will rail against the pitch count, and others will insist he should have been left alone to finish the game.</p>
<p>These situations are among the murkiest in modern baseball; we all crave the complete game, the ace rising to the challenge, the one man standing alone atop the hill at the end of battle. The domination of a starting pitcher often makes for the best baseball, and a certain bitterness is left when we feel robbed of it (and as is plain from watching Keuchel's reaction and body language, all the more for the pitcher himself).</p>
<p>On the one hand, he was nearing 130 pitches. Even those who scoff at the near-hysteria over the 100 pitch milestone will admit that 125-130 pitches is a heavy workload. If Keuchel had been left in even longer and indeed completed his shutout, but was diagnosed with any manner of arm injury in the next few days, surely the majority of fans would be screaming for Porter's head.</p>
<p>On the other hand, few of Keuchel's innings were even close to what you could call stressful or taxing, and we know now that those types of innings are what really build up fatigue and can lead to arm injuries the quickest. Given how much of the game he had simply cruised through (and coming off one similar), it could be argued that he could handle it.</p>
<p>What do you think about the decision? I, for one, am fine with the pull late, though I wanted to see the complete game. My final thought, though, was that perhaps this is a good thing. It stings now, but a <i>little</i> adversity when things are going so smoothly can be the reminder that a young club needs to stay focused.</p>
<p>And, who knows, maybe this will get some play nationally and a certain AL manager, who will be filling out a roster of pitchers in a month or two, will catch wind of this and think to himself that "The Kid" Dallas Keuchel is just the type if kid he wants on his team when trying to win an All-Star game.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/20/5733664/early-offense-masterful-keuchel-fell-angelsBrian Stevenson2014-05-19T21:05:09-05:002014-05-19T21:05:09-05:00Game Thread for Angels No. 1
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<figcaption>Gregory Shamus</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as the Astros open a road trip with a game against the Angels.</p> <h4> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim, May 19, 2014 9:05 PM CDT</h4>
<p><strong>TV: </strong>CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><strong>Radio:</strong> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><strong>Angels SBNation Blog: </strong><a href="http://www.halosheaven.com/"><strong>Halos Heaven</strong></a></p>
<h4>Pitching Matchup</h4>
<p>LHP <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> (4-2, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Garrett Richards</span> (4-0, 2.42 ERA)</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> <th align="left">LOS ANGELES ANGELS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Erick Aybar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Mike Trout</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Dexter Fowler</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Albert Pujols</span> - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Jason Castro</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Howie Kendrick</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>C.J. Cron</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Chris Carter</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Grant Green</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Marc Krauss</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Chris Iannetta</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Alex Presley</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Efren Navarro</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Marwin Gonzalez</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Luis Jimenez</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Dallas Keuchel - LHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Garrett Richards - RHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/19/5731544/gamethread-for-houston-astros-at-los-angeles-angels-may-19-2014-9-05David Coleman2014-05-19T19:31:32-05:002014-05-19T19:31:32-05:00AL West Series Preview: Astros vs. Angels
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros start 10-game road trip on the west coast against the Angels. </p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (16-28) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim (24-19)</h4>
<p>The Astros head west, winner of two straight series for the first time since mid-August 2013. The Angels come into the series - winners of three straight series, including three of four form the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> over the weekend. The last time these two teams meet, the Angels zapped all of the good will from the Opening Series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> by winning 3-of-4 in Houston. Which included a 9-1 day game win by the Angles that registered a <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24519932/astros-drew-a-00-nielsen-rating-in-houston-for-mondays-game">0.0 on the nielsen ratings</a>. The Astros hope to change their fortunes this time around against the Angels in Anaheim, where they were 7-3 last season.</p>
<h4>It's Trout's world, we're just living in it...</h4>
<p>As previously noted the Angels are coming in on a role with a record of 8-2 in their last ten games. They are lead by their centerfielder <span>Mike Trout</span>. You may have heard of him before. Trout has taken the mantle of the top young baseball player in majors, he can do it all. He has shown some vulnerabilities this season; he is currently second in the league in strikeouts at 55, only be hind <span>B.J. Upton</span> (56). He strikeout percentage is currently seven percent at 27.9%* then his career average (21.3%). His stats across the board are down compared to his career averages - .336 BABIP (.363 career), .263 AVG (.308 career), .360 OBP (.399 career), and .515 SLG (.540 career). Is it something to worry about? I would say no. While it shows Trout is human, his number will even out. Let's just hope it doesn't start against the Astros.</p>
<p>The Angels have surged this past week with solid contributions from around the diamond and a pitching staff with the fourth best ERA in the majors at 2.92 this past seven days. That's just head of the Astros at six with a 3.00 ERA. Looking at the Angles' bats over the past week - <span>Grant Green</span> has lead the way for the halos. Green is batting .344 (11-32) with three runs scored, and four RBIs in last ten games. He is coming off a 3-for-4 performance against Tampa Bay on Sunday. <span>Collin Cowgill</span> will get two hits tonight if his previous games have been a guide, he has flip-flopped between two hits and zero hits for seven games now. As a result, he is batting .303 (10-33) with seven runs scored and four RBIs at the top of Los Angeles' lineup.</p>
<p>The halos are still without the services of <span>Josh Hamilton</span>, but they do have <span>Albert Pujols</span>. His current line reads .190 (8-42), 5 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB over his last ten games. That line may look worse if you remove the two-home run game he had on Sunday against the Rays. The Angels have survived by pitching and the play of their lesser known prospects like <span>Efren Navarro</span>, <span>Luis Jimenez</span>, and <span>C.J. Cron</span>.</p>
<h4>Astros, winning baseball.....</h4>
<p>The Astros are tied for fourth in hits (74) over the last seven days across the major leagues. They have collected at least 9 hits each game during that stretch. As previously noted, they have the sixth best ERA (3.00) from this past week. It's no surprise that they have a record of five wins and two losses in their last seven games. The Astros have been lead by <span>Dexter Fowler</span> and <span>Jose Altuve</span> during this offensive development.</p>
<p>Dexter Fowler has drawn a walk in eight straight games, and collected a hit in seven of his last ten games. He is batting .333 (11-33) with eight runs scored, four RBIs, and 14 walks over that time. Jose Altuve has a 10-game hitting streak coming to today's game, he has multiple hits in six of those ten games. He is batting .391 (18-46) with six runs scored and four RBIs in his last ten games.</p>
<p><span>Matt Dominguez</span>, <span>George Springer</span>, and <span>Jason Castro</span> have brought the gun show out. Dominguez is coming off a game where he hit two home runs against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>. He is batting .371 (14-41) with seven RBIs in his last ten games. Springer is batting .318 (7-22) in his last seven games with a home run and triple. Jason Castro has two home runs and eight RBIs in his last ten games.</p>
<p>The Astros bullpen, outside of new edition <span>Kyle Farnsworth</span>, has not given up an earned run over the team's last seven games. They have collected 22 strikeouts and six walks over 17 innings of work.</p>
<h4>Pitching Matchups</h4>
<h5>LHP <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> (4-2, 3.06 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Garrett Richards</span> (4-0, 2.42 ERA, 1.06 WHIP)</h5>
<p>Garrett Richards has done nothing but get better since joining the rotation out of the bullpen last season for the Angels. The Angels are 6-2 this season games that he starts, including Richards' first win of the season that game at the hands of the Astros. He pitched five innings, one run on five hits - walked five and struck out seven on April 4 in Houston. He is coming off a seven inning shutout of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> on May 14, he struck out eight and walked zero.</p>
<p><span>Chris Carter</span> has had his way with Richards in his career, going 5-for-10 with a double and a home run. He has kept the remainder of the Astros lineup check, including Jose Altuve (2-7), Jason Castro (0-7), and Matt Dominguez (2-7).</p>
<p>What can I say about Dallas Keuchel? He's been Cy-Young worthy for the Astros standards. He has worked into the sixth inning all of his starts this season expect one, which came against the Angels. On April 5, he gave up four runs on eight hits over five innings - striking out six and walking two. LIke Richards, he is coming off his best performance of the year - complete game shutout of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> on May 13.</p>
<p>Mike Trout is 3-for-10 with four strikeouts and two walks against the Astros lefty. Albert Pujols is 1-for-3 with a double in his career. Other players with a high volume of at-bats Keuchel are <span>Erick Aybar</span> (5-12, 2 2B), Collin Cowgill (3-8, 2B), <span>Chris Iannetta</span> (3-9, 2B, HR), <span>Raul Ibanez</span> (1-6, HR), and <span>Howie Kendrick</span> (4-10, 2B, HR).</p>
<h5>RHP <span>Scott Feldman</span> (2-1, 2.63 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) vs. LHP <span>Tyler Skaggs</span> (3-1, 4.53 ERA, 1.16 WHIP)</h5>
<p>The Astros made Tyler Skaggs look like the rebirth of Cy Young in his first major league start in Houston on April 5. He pitched 8.1 innings - giving one unearned run on four hits, walking one, and striking out five. He has been workhorse since, pitching through the seven in five of his eight previous starts. He is coming of one of his poorest outing, giving up five runs over six inning against Tampa Bay on May 15.</p>
<p><span>Jesus Guzman</span> is 1-for-8 with a home run and two walks off Skaggs. Jose Altuve is 1-for-2 with a walk. Chris Carter, Matt Dominguez are hitless in their careers against the lefty.</p>
<p>Scott Feldman hasn't been as perfect as he was before his forearm strain, but he has been good enough to give the Astros a chance to win games. He has given up six runs in 11 innings since coming back from the disabled list. He was the winner in the Astros' lone victory against Angels in their first encounter - pitching seven innings one-run baseball on April 6.</p>
<p>Erick Aybar (10-22, 2 2B, 2 3B), Raul Ibanez (5-17, 2B, HR), and Howie Kendrick (9-20, 2B, HR) have long successful track records against Feldman. Mike Trout is 1-for-6 in his career against Feldman. Brennan Boesch, <span>Kole Calhoun</span>, Collin Cowgill, and Albert Pujols are hitless against the Astros' number one.</p>
<h5>RHP <span>Collin McHugh</span> (2-2, 3.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Jered Weaver</span> (4-3, 3.14 ERA, 1.10 WHIP)</h5>
<p>Jered Weaver may not electric stuff anymore, but he still has the knowledge and skill to outpitch any batter in the majors. He has given up just four earned runs over his last 21.1 innings of work. He has 17 strikeouts and six walks during that stretch. He is coming off a tough-luck loss against Tampa Bay where he gave up two runs over seven innings.</p>
<p>Jason Castro, Matt Dominguez, Jesus Guzman, and <span>Alex Presley</span> each have a home run in their careers in six at-bats or less. Jose Altuve is 2-for-6 in his career against Weaver.</p>
<p>Collin McHugh continues to show he deserves to be in the majors since his call up to replace Scott Feldman while on the disabled list. He gave up four runs against against the White Sox in his last outing, striking out seven and walking three. If not for a fastball down the middle to <span>Adam Dunn</span>, McHugh may have been able out of the inning.</p>
<p>McHugh has a quality start in three of his five starts, and this will be the first time the active Angels' roster faces him.</p>
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<h4>Predictions</h4>
<p>I'm two for two in my recent prediction, this time around I suspect these game will all be close. But, Houston will only pull out only one win in three games against the hot halos.</p>
<p><br><i>*Stats Courtesy of Fangraphs </i></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/19/5732302/al-west-series-preview-houston-astros-vs-los-angeles-angels-ofRyan Dunsmore