ARLINGTON – The biggest changes to the Astros’ 5-4 win over the Rangers on Friday – their first win at Globe Life Field, where they were devastated in May – came in seventh in a two-run Jake Meyers double and a two-run single by Michael Brantley that tied the game.
The Astros won a 4-0 deficit by sending nine batters to the scoreboard and scoring five times in the seventh for their third straight win, moving them a season-high 6 1/2 games ahead of the American League A’s. Race west. But the story of how the winning race met the plate is where the real drama lay.
In fact, the Astros were on the far right of three final plays at the end of the game, including the final play of play at first base when shortstop Carlos Correa transformed a double play that was celebrated. after reviewing playback.
“Some quick plays and some upside plays from our guys, stepping up at the right time and making those plays and putting themselves in a position to do that,” Brantley said. “It’s always great to grab the extra 90 feet and play smart baseball.”
Listed below are three close plays that influenced Friday’s game in Houston’s favor:
Maldonado shows off his wheels
Veteran receiver Martín Maldonado, who is one of the slowest players in the Major Leagues, was in the position to score the margin test in the seventh when he scored a flying ball on the bat of Aledmys Díaz, passing to the third from the second. Maldonado slid his head in front of DJ Peters ’pitch and slipped his left hand into the bag before Andy Ibáñez’s tag.
Maldonado’s momentum passed in front of the bag, but he was able to grab it with his left hand. That was key, given that the 35-year-old ended up scoring moments later, when Yuli Gurriel overtook what would have been a double-entry ball at the end of the inning (more in a minute).
Maldonado’s speed of 25.3 feet per second in the play was faster than the season average of 23.8, which is eight percent lower in the league.
“I thought I had a good chance,” said Dusty Baker, Astros manager. “If I hadn’t gone back and tagged halfway … they teach you to go halfway with some balls and tag some of them. Great mental presence for a guy who doesn’t have good speed, but who Heck was a disappointment, however. everyone “.
Gurriel is safe at first in a tight play
With Maldonado in third, Brantley at the start and the game tied, Gurriel hit a ground on shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who threw at second base to withdraw Brantley for the second out. Nick Solak’s relay came late to Gurriel, allowing Maldonado to score the test.
Gurriel, 37, ran 28.7 feet per second down the line, which was also above the season average (27.0). Gurriel is an above average runner, but by no means a speedster.
“This shows you what kind of form he has and shows you his desire to play, and it also shows that age is only a factor if you let him be,” Baker said. “It shows me that I would have liked to see him when he could really run, when he was young and he could really run. Now he’s a runner above average. This guy is in good shape.”
Strap call game
The ninth inning was not without drama, when the singles of Kiner-Falefa and Adolis Garcia against nearest Ryan Pressly placed the runners in first and second base with a single start. Nathaniel Lowe hit a helicopter on the mound that Correa launched as he crossed second base. Garcia scored and threw in first place just getting Lowe to the final.
The Rangers, who had nothing to lose, defied the call, but it was confirmed after a brief review. Correa’s exceptional defense in the short field has not been lost in his teammates.
“It’s a great play,” Brantley said. “She has been doing it every day. I get a chance to play behind him and see those plays. He does not get enough credit for his defense and the good performance he has had every day.