Hummel, the good news is you got the hit of your life. The bad news is, you sold your soul to the devil for that one hit... and chose the regular season
There’s a reason they do this and I’ve posted a detailed analysis why in the Astros season thread. The stats absolutely back up swinging at the first pitch - if it’s a strike. Maybe they get him out after 7 innings instead by taking some pitches tonight. Would you rather face Suarez for a third time or a top bullpen arm? There’s not a huge benefit in “running his pitch count up”.
We have no explanation for what's transpiring. We have taken "next man up" to an area of the universe thought not to exist.
I literally turned it on after missing it all night when the ball was flying over the fence. Wow. Hummel then went back in time to help William Wallace defend Scotland. Aye!
If hummel is on the postseaon roster (hopefully the astros will be there), then we would have MAJOR concern.
How close was the Pena double from going out? Sounds like he just needed to pull it a little further left.