FSA: Astros drop two in Seattle

The Astros lost two of three games in Seattle. However, Houston led in all three games. They couldn’t secure the late leads the offense had given them as the bullpen struggled to get outs. 

Struggling bullpen

Prior to the Seattle series, Houston had the best bullpen in the American League. The bullpen had a combined ERA of 2.27. They ranked third in the American lead in opponent batting average (.177) and WHIP (1.01). Nonetheless, Spencer Arrighetti pitched 3.2 innings against the Twins, and Ronel Blanco followed by lasting 1.2 IP, which contributed to the bullpen woes. 

Astros manager Joe Espada had to manage the Seattle series with limited arms out the pen. He had to rely on players who had to pitch in a different role. Houston’s relievers in this series pitched 9.2 innings. They allowed nine hits, 10 ERs, and 10 BBs. Cantu and Zo discuss what went wrong with the Astros bullpen. 

While the bullpen struggles, Houston’s starters pitched three consecutive quality starts. Hayden Wesenski, Framber Valdez, and Hunter Brown dissected the Mariner’s offense. The starters combined pitched 19 innings. They allowed seven hits, two earned runs, one walk and struck out 16. 

Valdez diced through the Mariners line up by throwing 33 curve balls and 33 sinkers. He also mixed in 20 change ups. Wesenski was efficient on the mound. He produced 14 swings and misses on 82 pitches. Brown used his power fastball to limit Seattle to two hits. 

Astros vs Angels series

The Astros head back to Houston to face off the Angels, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Ronel Blanco is hoping for a bounce back and last more than five innings. Rookie Ryan Gusto will make his major league start, because Spencer Arrighetti broke his thumb after being hit in the hand during batting practice. 

Hayden Wesenski aims for similar success he had against Seattle. Los Angeles brings a hungry young team to Daikin Park. Find more about the Angels and Astros series on this week’s episode of Full Seam Ahead.