In a stunning display of skill and prowess, Houston Astros' second baseman Jose Altuve achieved the franchise's first cycle since 2013 in a game against the Boston Red Sox. The last Astro to hit for the cycle was Brandon Barnes on July 19, 2013, making this feat particularly noteworthy.
Altuve's Remarkable Performance
Altuve's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He doubled in the third inning, singled in the fifth, tripled in the sixth, and homered in the eighth. This impressive sequence marked a significant accomplishment in his career and a milestone for the Astros. Furthermore, Altuve drove in four runs during the game, tying him with Yordan Alvarez for the most among Astros players this season.
Return from Injury
Both Altuve and Alvarez returned from oblique injuries on July 26, adding another layer of triumph to this achievement. Despite missing 17 games due to his injury, Altuve entered Monday's game with an impressive .365/.451/.522 slash line in the 29 games since his return. His strong performance is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.
On the other hand, Alvarez, who was absent for 39 games due to his injury, has not been as consistent since his return. After a promising start during his first week back, his performance has cooled off somewhat. However, he still managed to strike four hits and reach base five times in his fourth career four-hit game.
Javier's Struggles Continue
Astros' starting pitcher Cristian Javier had a challenging outing, lasting just over four innings and allowing four runs on six hits. This marks the sixth time in his last 11 outings that Javier failed to complete five innings, highlighting a concerning trend in his recent performances. Over this period, his ERA ballooned to 7.46, indicating a struggle with consistency and control.
In his last 50 2/3 innings, Javier has struck out 43 batters, walked 32, and allowed 12 home runs. Interestingly, he throws his fastball 58% of the time, showing a reliance on this pitch. Boston hitters seemed to have picked up on this, swinging at 32 of the 60 fastballs Javier threw. In contrast, they swung at only 12 of the 40 off-speed pitches he delivered.
Despite these challenges, the Astros continue to show their strength and resilience. With players like Altuve leading the way, there's no telling what heights this team can reach. As the season continues, fans and opponents alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on these remarkable players.