Astros pitching is getting the job done and keeping the team somewhat relevant. Offense needs to keep taking advantage of this Rangers pitching staff for the rest of the series.
Gotta hand it to Keuchel. He came through HUGE tonight. And I stand corrected. Last time I said Keuchel should never pitch in the 8th inning, and he went the full 9 tonight. Props to Hinch for believing in him, and leaving him in there.
Not sure what that's supposed to mean. Kuechel was already at 100 pitches in the 8th inning...there is no need to push him more than that. Getting the win at that point isnt the debate. That was never a concern once we reached that point in the game. I didnt say we should take him out because I thought he would blow the game... It's all about taking the necessary precautions to not risk injury. The same reason superstars sit in the final 6 minutes of games that are double digit leads. Keuchel's arm, at this point, is the teams most valuable asset.
At the same time, though, if the Astros want a shot, they will need Keuchel to step up. The fact that Keuchel was able to get the complete game shutout can go a long way toward that. And if there was ever a time to give him the chance, it would be with a 4-0 lead.
So just so he mentally knows he got the complete game shutout....instead of the 0 runs in 8 innings? After the recent run of injuries to Lance, Gregerson, Valbuena...Im more concerned about being as healthy as possible, because we need everyone if we want any chance at the postseason. Anything that can cause extra fatigue towards the end of the year is something that should be eliminated if possible.
I don't know what's crazier the fact that Kelchel went 7 2/3 of no hit ball or the fact that Perez was one inning away from a complete game.
He threw 111 pitches instead of 100. Most of the pitches were 'non-pressure' especially after the 3rd inning. 100 pitches is no more of a magic number than 90 pitches.
DK isn't a power pitcher or violent arm action either. I thought he was sharp all the way through. Thank god for that early inning hit fest. Just hits.
Gattis has caught a few in a row and will catch again one of the next two given Sunday's will be a day after a night game. I'm hoping to see a line up of CF - Springer 3B - Bregman 2B - Altuve SS - Correa LF - Rasmus DH - Gattis 1B - White C - Castro CF - Jake I feel Jake and White have earned another start, Castro will have to start one of the next two games for the reason I listed above, and I like having speed in the 9 hole. Only reason I didn't put Marwin in the line up is so he could rest up an'bit more and he looked completely lost tonight. Fister is a ground ball pitcher so I love having the same Infield that we threw out for Dallas with Breg, Correa, and Altuve. Just my opinion.
Awesome win. Huge series, it was awesome to see Dallas back to his old form...love the 3 hit shut out.
Today was a must win. Tomorrow is also a must win. Darvish on Sunday might strike out 14 the way we're swinging (and not working counts).
He should have sat after 90 pitches. Better? You seem to be neglecting the fact that he led the league in innings last year and has looked nothing like the pitcher of the last two seasons.
But if it was all truly due to fatigue, why has his overall performance gotten better as the season has gone on, not worse? I don't think he's been as mentally sharp at all... Which is a huge component for a control artist without pure heat. (And yet his velocity has gotten better and better as the season has progressed. Shutting out a powerful lineup like the Rangers is impressive).
