Bregman: First spring dinger
(c) Associated Press
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The Astros enjoyed an off day on Tuesday after playing two games Monday. Their record is now 5-5 with two ties. Three of those losses have been to their bunkmates, the Nationals, including a 4-2 loss on Sunday at West Palm.
Houston tallied twice in the first off Anibal Sanchez. Yuli Gurriel spanked an RBI double and Josh Reddick followed with a sacrifice fly. The Nats scored twice in the third inning against Hector Rondon and plated the deciding runs in the fourth off Erasmo Pinales. Trea Turner drove in three of Washington's runs. Gurriel and Carlos Correa each had two of Houston's seven hits. Reliever Ryan Pressly struck out the side in a 1-2-3 fifth.
A split squad of Astros visited the Braves at Orlando on Monday, taking a 4-0 lead before winning, 4-3. Wade Miley tossed 2-2/3rd innings without allowing a run. Derek Fisher and Nick Tanielu both belted their second spring homers. Tanielu had a pair of the five Astro hits. Houston hurlers scattered 14 hits by the Braves.
Back in West Palm, Houston dropped a 7-4 verdict to the Mets. Houston had a 3-1 lead before giving up six tallies in the game's second half. Rogelio Armenteros started for injured Collin McHugh (back) and tossed three shutout innings. The Cuban has sported a 1.80 ERA over his first two starts.
George Springer, Alex Bregman and Garrett Stubbs all went deep for the Astros but Mexican-born Jose Hernandez allowed a pair of homers then Ryan Hartman gave up three runs in the eighth to seal the deal.
Next up are home-and-home series against the Marlins on Wednesday and Thursday then a home-and-home against the Cardinals on Friday night and Saturday. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Brad Peacock should be among the starting pitchers.
There was no movement on the roster front at the time of this update. Houston free agents Dallas Keuchel, Tony Sipp, Evan Gattis and Martin Maldonado remain unsigned. Yankees pitcher Luis Severino has been shelved with a shoulder ailment but beat reporters in New York claim the team is more likely to kick the tires on free agent Gio Gonzalez than Keuchel due to salary concerns. Pitchers are nearing a spot where they may not be ready for Opening Day should they wait much longer to sign.
- Bob Hulsey
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