While it is an issue, they are not alone. The team leading the league in runs scored per game is last in runners left in scoring position. The Dodgers. Astros are second in runs and 27th (prior to today) in runners left in scoring position. It is a function of how many guys they get on base and the fact that they have a few black holes in the lineup.
Situational hitting before today: AL avg with RISP: .249 .330 .415 .745 Astros: .260 (6th in AL) .339 (4th) .442 (5th) .781 (5th) Angels and Mariners are 1-2 in BA, SLG and OPS With RISP and 2 outs the Stros rank 4/5/6/5 With Runners On: 1/1/2/1 With Runners On & 2 outs: 3/4/8/5 Stros are 2nd in the AL in scoring a runner from 3B with <2 outs: 56.7% (KC 61.7) Stros are 2nd in the AL in advancing a runner from 2B with 0 outs: 56.6% (TEX 58.4) Stros are 2nd in the AL in productive outs (sac for P, advancing any runner with the 1st out or scoring a runner with the 2nd out): 35.6% (KC 35.9%)
I wonder what the stats are when its a 1 or 2 run game vs when it’s a blowout. It does seem like the Astros struggle to score runners in higher leverage situations. They do not seem to struggle when they have established a big lead. I know part of establishing a big lead is scoring your baserunners. However, in high leverage situations (tight games, later innings) it seems like the numbers take a big dip.
Yes, their numbers in Late & Close situations are not good. 8/8/13/11 Oakland leads the world by a substantial margin in all 4, btw. When trailing, Stros rank 2/5/3/4 Tie games: 3/3/9/8 When ahead: 1/1/3/1
we are on pace for 90 wins. With our run differential, we should be on a better pace than that. There have been some frustrating losses that have plagued us so far. Hopefully it all equals out in the end. We have also squandered a fair amount of runs by being idiots on the basepaths.
Statistically they rank with the best of them, but I think the frustration comes from 2 things: 1. the base running with this group has always and continues to be a nightmare, it’s not just the aggressive advancing, it’s the getting picked off at second with 2 outs and Alvarez at the plate BS. 2. How many times do the big hitters get the job done and guys like Chaz McCormick, Martin Maldonado, Myles Straw, and Rubel’s Garcia end up at the plate needing to get the job done. Even better when it’s 2 on 0 out and it’s Garcia, Straw, Maldonado at the ready!! And that’s avoidable if Dusty didn’t do his lineups 1-9 old school contact-best-power-trash. Straw would probably be batting lead off if he could get his OPS to pitcher level.
Stros have made 19 outs on the bases, which is tied for 3rd fewest in MLB (Cleveland fewest with 17, Cubs most with 35)
Somehow you were more accurate when you were complaining about Garcia for every start (as he now qualifies in the top 10 ERA leaders)
interesting stat. John Stockton sure used to pile up those assists in Utah. Does the eye test tell you we should be happy about the base running? I realize it’s probably pointless to continue bringing up.
