Jason Heyward has been settling into his role as a reserve outfielder for the Houston Astros. On Sunday, though, his three-hit day helped the Astros survive against the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-4 win. The victory helped the Astros secure a three-game sweep over the Angels, heading into an upcoming series against the San Diego Padres.
Before heading to “Slam-Diego,” though, Heyward took some meaningful cuts in the batter’s box in Anaheim, Calif. He connected on a fastball in the third inning, pulling it over the right-center field wall to give Houston a 1-0 lead. Heyward added two more hits as part of the Astros’ offense. On Sunday, Heyward also had a stolen base, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Needless to say, he played a key role in securing the Astros’ fourth straight victory.
Houston Astros Welcome Heyward’s Bat
The Houston Astros picked up Heyward after he was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Houston needed some outfield support as outfielder Kyle Tucker had been rehabbing his shin fracture/contusion since June. Tucker, though, is back in the Astros’ starting lineup now. Yet Heyward’s veteran presence and bat are most welcome as the Astros eye yet another return to postseason play.
“This is a good group of guys,” Heyward said after Sunday’s win, MLB.com reporter Brian McTaggart reported. “They clown with each other but also enjoy getting ready for battle. We’ve got guys grinding with injuries right now, and that’s a part of the game. I just want to be right there in the middle of that and knowing anything you can do on any night can help the team win.”
Heyward’s homer came off Angels’ 20-year-old rookie starter Caden Dana (1-2). Dana went 3 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
After the victory, Heyward took note of where Dana pitched him in that key third-inning at-bat.
Jason Heyward’s second homer as an Astro! pic.twitter.com/g4HOzTsjWe
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 15, 2024
“To be honest, I feel like a lot of pitchers would attempt to throw a fastball down and in to me there, hoping to get me to swing on top of it, roll over it,” Heyward said. “I wouldn’t say it was the best pitch in the world [to hit], but I feel like a lot of pitchers are trying to throw me down and in at times. It was a good swing.”
As the regular season is winding down for the Houston Astros, you don’t have to tell Astros manager Joe Espada twice about having someone like Heyward to join his team full of postseason veterans. That, of course, includes Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez.
“This guy, his presence is felt in [the clubhouse],” Espada said. “He’s a winner. Guys seek his opinion. He’s vocal. He tells you what he thinks and how he can help you. … On the field, he’s been pretty good. He’s gotten some big swings for us, big homers. His defense is good, he stole a base, he runs the bases hard. I’m really glad that he’s on our side. His reputation, I can see why it follows him around everywhere he goes. He’s a true pro.”
Besides being in his backup role, Heyward also is a five-time Gold Glove winner. Just another reason to feel pretty confident in Heyward’s abilities in the outfield. Of course, he’s not as young as he once was but Heyward still plays at a high level when called upon to start.
Ronel Blanco Superb In Sunday Start
Ronel Blanco was magnificent for the Houston Astros, keeping Angels hitters off-balance with his arsenal of pitches. Blanco (11-6) threw six scoreless innings, walked two and struck out five, The Associated Press reported. He rejoined the Astros’ pitching rotation as Espada wanted to set up a six-man starting rotation.
Jeremy Peña also had two hits and two runs scored. The Houston Astros are 4 1/2 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the American League West Division and their magic number shrunk more with the victory.
Los Angeles scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, all of which were charged to Astros reliever Caleb Ferguson. Ace reliever Josh Hader came on and slammed the door for his 31st save this season. A few fireworks, though, happened as Astros pitching coach Josh Miller was thrown out by third-base umpire Dan Iassogna for arguing a hit-by-pitch call. Miller watched the rest of the ninth inning from the Astros’ clubhouse.
The Astros open up their three-game series in San Diego and will send Spencer Arrighetti (7-12, 4.72 ERA) to the mound against Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres.
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