{"id":441617,"date":"2026-09-20T03:08:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T03:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/441617\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T03:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T03:08:09","slug":"houston-astros-fall-out-of-first-in-al-west-after-loss-to-braves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/441617\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Astros fall out of first in AL West after loss to Braves"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"The Braves' Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. stops to celebrate as he passes Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes after hitting a grand slam to put the Braves in front during the seventh inning Saturday.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Braves&#8217; Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. stops to celebrate as he passes Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes after hitting a grand slam to put the Braves in front during the seventh inning Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n<p>Lack of offense is leaving the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/\" class=\"\"> Houston Astros<\/a> minimal margin for error. Clinging to precarious postseason hopes, they carried a one-run lead to the seventh inning Saturday, needing nine outs from a beleaguered bullpen to preserve it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/article\/aj-blubaugh-houston-bullpen-weapon-22414526.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/article\/aj-blubaugh-houston-bullpen-weapon-22414526.php\" class=\"\">AJ Blubaugh<\/a>, the rookie right-hander with more relief innings than any pitcher in the majors this season, procured one. His next two batters reached on soft singles. Blubaugh built an 0-2 count on Sean Murphy, the ninth hitter in Atlanta\u2019s order, but could not finish him. A walk loaded the bases.<\/p>\n<p>Manager Joe Espada emerged and signaled for Bryan Abreu, a move he\u2019d hoped to delay accelerated by a tenuous lead and the top of Atlanta\u2019s lineup. A strikeout of Drake Baldwin put Abreu on the cusp of an escape. Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. refused to allow it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Acu\u00f1a blasted a fastball from Abreu into an archway in left-center field, his grand slam sending Houston to a 6-3 loss at Daikin Park. It is the Astros\u2019 ninth loss in their past 13 games. This one left them at 77-78 and altered the top of an American League West race.<\/p>\n<p>With the loss, the Astros fell a game behind the Rangers, who defeated Toronto. Houston had spent all but one day since July 31 alone or tied atop the division. Now, it no longer controls its playoff fate with seven games left in the regular season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was a tough one,\u201d Espada said. \u201cWe were right there, one out away from really turning things around there. But we have to flush this one really quick. This is a tough one. We\u2019ve just got to get ready for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Astros totaled 10 hits but scored three or fewer runs for the 24th time in 42 games since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, a stretch in which they are 19-23. Isaac Paredes drove in two runs with a home run and an RBI single against Atlanta starter Grant Holmes that built a 2-0 lead after three innings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Hayden Wesneski guarded it until the sixth inning, when Matt Olson\u2019s run-scoring single pared the lead to one. Acu\u00f1a\u2019s blast erased it entirely. Mike Yastrzemski added a solo home run against Logan VanWey in the eighth inning.<\/p>\n<p>Houston still brought the potential tying run to the plate in the eighth. Paredes worked a two-out walk, Jose Altuve bunted for a hit and Yainer Diaz lined a run-scoring double. Houston sent Nelson Vel\u00e1zquez to pinch-hit against lefty Dylan Lee for Daulton Varsho, who is in a 3-for-32 slide.<\/p>\n<p>Vel\u00e1zquez struck out swinging. The Astros did not threaten again, as they slipped into second place and\u00a0\u2014 for the moment\u00a0\u2014 out of the American League playoff picture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not about feeling sorry for yourself or being pissed off, it\u2019s winning every game from here on out,\u201d first baseman Christian Walker said. \u201cThat\u2019s the only thing that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta<br \/>\nAB<br \/>\nR<br \/>\nH<br \/>\nBI<br \/>\nBB<br \/>\nSO<br \/>\nAvg.<\/p>\n<p>Totals<br \/>\n34<br \/>\n6<br \/>\n11<br \/>\n6<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n4<\/p>\n<p>Baldwin dh<br \/>\n5<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.282<\/p>\n<p>Acu\u00f1a rf<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.259<\/p>\n<p>Olson 1b<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.255<\/p>\n<p>Harris cf<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.290<\/p>\n<p>Dub\u00f3n ss<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.273<\/p>\n<p>Albies 2b<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.242<\/p>\n<p>Yastrzemski lf<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.228<\/p>\n<p>Riley 3b<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.220<\/p>\n<p>S.Murphy c<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.179<\/p>\n<p>Houston<br \/>\nAB<br \/>\nR<br \/>\nH<br \/>\nBI<br \/>\nBB<br \/>\nSO<br \/>\nAvg.<\/p>\n<p>Totals<br \/>\n35<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n10<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n7<\/p>\n<p>Pe\u00f1a ss<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n.276<\/p>\n<p>Alvarez dh<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.312<\/p>\n<p>Paredes 3b<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.261<\/p>\n<p>Altuve 2b<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.247<\/p>\n<p>Diaz c<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.276<\/p>\n<p>Varsho cf<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.221<\/p>\n<p>a-Vel\u00e1zquez ph<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.194<\/p>\n<p>Trammell cf<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.202<\/p>\n<p>Walker 1b<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n.222<\/p>\n<p>C.Smith rf<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n.210<\/p>\n<p>Wade lf<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n.208<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta<br \/>\n000<br \/>\n001<br \/>\n410_6<br \/>\n11<br \/>\n0<\/p>\n<p>Houston<br \/>\n101<br \/>\n000<br \/>\n010_3<br \/>\n10<br \/>\n0<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">a-struck out for Varsho in the 8th.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">LOB_Atlanta 5, Houston 6. 2B_Baldwin (20), Diaz (14). 3B_Pe\u00f1a (2). HR_Acu\u00f1a (20), off Abreu; Yastrzemski (11), off VanWey; Paredes (22), off Holmes. RBIs_Olson (89), Acu\u00f1a 4 (55), Yastrzemski (37), Paredes 2 (90), Diaz (39).<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">Runners left in scoring position_Atlanta 1 (Dub\u00f3n); Houston 3 (Diaz, Vel\u00e1zquez 2). RISP_Atlanta 2 for 6; Houston 2 for 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">Runners moved up_Altuve. GIDP_Albies, Acu\u00f1a, Baldwin, Diaz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">DP_Atlanta 1 (Dub\u00f3n, Albies, Olson); Houston 3 (Walker, Pe\u00f1a; Walker, Pe\u00f1a, Walker; Pe\u00f1a, Altuve, Walker).<\/p>\n<p>IP<\/p>\n<p>H<br \/>\nR<br \/>\nER<br \/>\nBB<br \/>\nSO<br \/>\nNP<br \/>\nERA<\/p>\n<p>6<\/p>\n<p>8<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n2<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n4<br \/>\n87<br \/>\n3.47<\/p>\n<p>1<\/p>\n<p>0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n13<br \/>\n3.73<\/p>\n<p>1<\/p>\n<p>2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n26<br \/>\n3.18<\/p>\n<p>1<\/p>\n<p>0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n14<br \/>\n2.64<\/p>\n<p>IP<\/p>\n<p>H<br \/>\nR<br \/>\nER<br \/>\nBB<br \/>\nSO<br \/>\nNP<br \/>\nERA<\/p>\n<p>5<\/p>\n<p>4<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n79<br \/>\n3.50<\/p>\n<p>0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n7<br \/>\n5.27<\/p>\n<p>2<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n3<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n22<br \/>\n3.70<\/p>\n<p>2<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n15<br \/>\n3.88<\/p>\n<p>2<\/p>\n<p>3<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n1<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n0<br \/>\n33<br \/>\n2.25<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">Inherited runners-scored_Sousa 1-0, Abreu 3-3.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">ABS Challenge_Wesneski (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Wesneski (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Holmes (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Wesneski (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Acu\u00f1a (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Holmes (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Mederos (Ball-Confirmed); VanWey (Ball-Confirmed).<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">Umpires_Home, Nic Lentz; First, Edwin Moscoso; Second, Lance Barksdale; Third, Lance Barrett.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-ind\">T_2:41. A_41,147 (41,000).<\/p>\n<p>Bullpen looks susceptible<\/p>\n<p>The bullpen has been Houston\u2019s most reliable unit this season. But one wonders if its workload and the absence of experienced depth may be catching up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Since Aug. 15, the Astros\u2019 relivers have combined for a 4.92 ERA. They awoke Saturday with the majors\u2019 eighth-highest ERA in that stretch. Just six bullpens had worked more innings in the full season.<\/p>\n<p>Blubaugh, a key bullpen figure all season, has been scored upon in five of his last seven appearances. Abreu has allowed two costly home runs in his last four outings, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/article\/houston-tampa-bay-rays-score-bryan-abreu-22426999.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">Junior Caminero\u2019s walk-off Sept. 11 at Tampa Bay<\/a>. The Astros are still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/article\/steve-okert-injury-update-22437246.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">without setup man Steven Okert<\/a>, on the injured list with a hamstring strain, lessening their options to bridge the late innings to closer Josh Hader.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros relief pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) delivers during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros relief pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) delivers during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros center fielder Daulton Varsho (18) fields Atlanta Braves Matt Olson\u2019s RBI single during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros center fielder Daulton Varsho (18) fields Atlanta Braves Matt Olson\u2019s RBI single during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) fields a ground ball by Atlanta Braves Ozzie Albies during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) fields a ground ball by Atlanta Braves Ozzie Albies during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) tosses the ball to starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) to get out Atlanta Braves Mike Yastrzemski during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) tosses the ball to starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) to get out Atlanta Braves Mike Yastrzemski during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) tags out Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) as he tries to stretch a single into a double during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) tags out Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) as he tries to stretch a single into a double during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Yainer Diaz (21) reacts after a strike call during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Yainer Diaz (21) reacts after a strike call during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) backs off an inside pitch from Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) backs off an inside pitch from Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) gets high-fives in the dugout after scoring on Isaac Paredes\u2019 RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) gets high-fives in the dugout after scoring on Isaac Paredes\u2019 RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after hitting an RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after hitting an RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) pours water on his head during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) pours water on his head during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts as he walks back to the dugout during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts as he walks back to the dugout during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts after a pitch during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts after a pitch during the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) hits a solo home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) hits a solo home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts after walking Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) reacts after walking Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) runs after hitting an RBI double during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) runs after hitting an RBI double during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Carlos Correa is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Carlos Correa is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey reacts after giving up a solo home run to Atlanta Braves Mike Yastrzemski  during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey reacts after giving up a solo home run to Atlanta Braves Mike Yastrzemski  during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey delivers during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros pitcher Logan VanWey delivers during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a grand-slam to put the Braves up 5-2 during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a grand-slam to put the Braves up 5-2 during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. (13) stops near Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) after hitting a grand-slam to put the Braves up 5-2 during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Atlanta Braves Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. (13) stops near Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) after hitting a grand-slam to put the Braves up 5-2 during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"The batter\u2019s eye in the outfield at Daikin Park is seen before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The batter\u2019s eye in the outfield at Daikin Park is seen before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground balls at second base before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground balls at second base before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground balls at third base before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground balls at third base before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"Houston Astros Brice Matthews warms up before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Houston Astros Brice Matthews warms up before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"A scoreboard operator swaps out teams in the outfield manual scoreboard at Daikin Park before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A scoreboard operator swaps out teams in the outfield manual scoreboard at Daikin Park before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<img alt=\"A scoreboard operator swaps out teams in the outfield manual scoreboard at Daikin Park before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A scoreboard operator swaps out teams in the outfield manual scoreboard at Daikin Park before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n<p>Isaac Paredes as run producer<\/p>\n<p>No Astros hitter has been better with runners in scoring position this season than Yordan Alvarez. The slugger entered Saturday with a 1.282 OPS in those situations. His .349 average ranked seventh out of major-league hitters with at least 100 such plate appearances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>His 33.8% walk rate in such situations, however, was highest among that group. Pitchers have tiptoed around Alvarez, daring the hitters behind him to capitalize, starting with Paredes.<\/p>\n<p>Just 12 hitters entered Saturday with more plate appearances with runners in scoring position than the Astros third baseman. Paredes had a .302\/.371\/.450 slash line in those situations, an effective line by a hitter Houston needs to be a run producer.<\/p>\n<p>Paredes leads the Astros with 30 RBIs since the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Walker ranks second with 16. By driving in runs in each of his first two at-bats Saturday, Paredes became the seventh AL player to reach 90 RBIs this season. He could challenge his career high of 98 RBIs with seven games left.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI feel good, a lot of confidence, and with the capacity to go and compete out there,\u201d Paredes said, through interpreter Otto Loor.<\/p>\n<p>A glimmer from Christian Walker<\/p>\n<p>Walker, whose offense has declined since May, entered with a .557 OPS since the All-Star break and hitless in his past 23 at-bats. He did not play Thursday, for what Espada termed \u201chopefully \u2026 a day for him to reset and get back in there and help us in that middle part of the lineup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The impact Walker can have on Houston\u2019s offense\u00a0\u2014 in both directions\u00a0\u2014 is obvious. Entering Saturday, his OPS in the club\u2019s wins this season was 1.002. He had a .384 OPS in losses.<\/p>\n<p>Walker slotted seventh in the lineup Saturday, a reflection of his struggles, but produced the Astros\u2019 two hardest-hit balls against Holmes.<\/p>\n<p>Walker hit a 110.7 mph single up the middle in his first at-bat, ending his hitless streak. He laced a 108.2 mph single off the left-field scoreboard in his second and was thrown out trying to stretch a double. The swings were perhaps an encouraging sign, one the Astros hope is not arriving too late.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrying to take a little pressure off, trying to trust myself more, trust what I\u2019m seeing and keep it easy,\u201d Walker said. \u201cWhen I just react and I\u2019m not predetermining things or trying to get a certain swing off, I think I\u2019m a much better hitter under those circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHopefully it\u2019s something that is repeatable. But yeah, it was kind of just an effort and intensity change, and it felt like it helped me make some good decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hayden Wesneski rebounds<\/p>\n<p>After lasting three innings and allowing seven runs (three earned) to the Rays <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/astros\/article\/houston-tampa-bay-score-22430085.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">in his last start<\/a>, Wesneski was more effective. His velocity, which dipped at Tampa Bay, was back up, a tick above its season mean. He did not generate much swing-and-miss but induced weak contact from an aggressive Atlanta lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Fifteen balls put in play against him averaged an 83.9 mph exit velocity. Just four left bats above 95 mph, the Statcast hard-hit threshold. Wesneski worked efficiently in the middle innings, but his outing stalled the third time through Atlanta\u2019s order.<\/p>\n<p>Wesneski\u2019s first two batters reached on a double and a walk. He retired 14 of the next 16, the exceptions a walk and a single in the third. He retired seven in a row before Drake Baldwin singled to begin the sixth inning. Acu\u00f1a drew a walk. Olson lined a single to center field, driving in Baldwin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting out of the first (unscathed) is a big deal,\u201d Wesneski said. \u201cAfter that it went well. I wish I would have got through that sixth. It would have helped us out, I think, on the back end.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Acu\u00f1a was thrown out going first-to-third, but the at-bat still ended Wesneski\u2019s outing. He exited with a 2-1 lead that Bennett Sousa preserved by retiring two hitters in the sixth. Wesneski has a 3.50 ERA in 10 starts since returning from elbow surgery.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNice job by Wesneski, threw the ball really well,\u201d Espada said. \u201cThrew a ton of strikes. Really gave us a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Braves&#8217; Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. stops to celebrate as he passes Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes after hitting&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":441618,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[56,58,57],"class_list":["post-441617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston","tag-houston","tag-houston-headlines","tag-houston-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=441617"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441617\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/441618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=441617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=441617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=441617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}