“This is the best day.”
Jose Abreu (Houston Astros) went 5-for-7 with two home runs, seven RBIs and two runs scored while batting sixth in the lineup against the Texas Rangers on Sunday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, USA.
Abreu singled to left field in his first at-bat in the second inning. But he didn’t miss a beat in his second at-bat of the inning with a 3-1 lead. Jeremy Peña singled, Jordan Alvarez walked, Alex Bregman flied out to right field and Kyle Tucker walked to load the bases. Abreu stepped to the plate and took Max Scherzer’s 84.4 mph (135 km/h) slider over the left field wall. It was his 13th home run of the season, a grand slam.
Abreu came to the plate with the bases loaded in the top of the fifth inning and stole second. With runners on second and third, Michael Brantley followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to give Houston an 8-1 lead.
Abreu was retired on a fielder’s choice in his fourth at-bat in the top of the seventh, but he came through again in his final at-bat in the top of the ninth. Back-to-back singles by Bregman and Tucker put runners on first and third. Abreu took advantage of Brock Burke’s 84.9 mph (136 km/h) slider for a three-run arch. It gave him two home runs and seven RBIs. Houston cruised to a 12-3 victory behind Abreu’s performance.
With the three-game sweep of Texas, Houston is 80-61 and in first place in the American League West. Texas slipped to third place with 76 wins and 63 losses. In second place are the Seattle Mariners.
According to MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, Abreu said after the game, “I think the guys in Houston know how to get things done and how to do it well. I’m just very grateful to be a part of this team,” Abreu said after the game.
Abreu, who played for the Chicago White Sox from his big league debut in 2014 through last season, signed a three-year, $58.5 million contract with Houston before the season. However, he has struggled this season and was briefly sidelined last month with a back injury.
This season, Abreu has a .236 OPS with 110 hits, 14 home runs, 74 RBIs, 51 runs scored and a .660 slugging percentage in 121 games. That compares to a .304 OPS and .824 OPS last season.
“I’ve had some tough moments,” Abreu said, “but this whole group of guys has helped me. A lot of people here have helped me in good times and bad times,” Abreu said. “You have to look for the positive and try to embrace it.”바카라사이트
Houston head coach Dusty Baker said of Abreu’s performance, “The guys were ready. We jumped out to a quick lead against Texas,” said Houston manager Dustin Baker of Abreu, who had two home runs and seven RBIs.