The Astros play a road set against the home-team-designated Rockies at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium for two games in Mexico starting tonight.
The Astros and Rockies visit Mexico City for a two-game set starting tonight at 5:05 PM CT.
The two-game series will be the first of two this year between the teams, with the rematch set for June 25 and 26 at Minute Maid Park. As “geographic rivals,” the Astros and Rockies play each other four times per season instead of the customary three between most interleague matchups. To wit, Houston plays division rivals 13 times each (52), fourteen of the NL teams three times each (42), the Rockies four times, six teams in the AL six times each (36) and the other four teams seven times each (28). 52+42+4+36+28=162
Houston’s geographic foe was a lot clearer when they were in the National League. Of course, the Rangers and Astros make perfect sense. The Astros and Rockies….a bit less so, but it’s gotta be someone.
Houston and Colorado have met each other 187 times in total, with extreme home/road splits. The Astros are 65-31 at home and 37-54 on the road, for a combined 102-85 record. This set in Mexico City has no precedence as such, and since both clubs are 7-19, it’s anyone’s ballgame.
The last time the two clubs met was July 19 last season. Brandon Bielak started and kept the Rockies scoreless on one hit over 5 2⁄3 innings, striking out four and walking three. Rafael Montero and Ryne Stanek each turned in a scoreless frame, and Ryan Pressly pitched the ninth, giving up a run but getting the final out for a 4-1 win. Chas McCormick (12) went deep in the sixth inning, as he, Jose Abreu, and Jake Meyers led Houston’s offense with two hits each.
We’ve got to control what we can control as a team and not worry about what other teams are doing. We obviously have that mentality of ‘next man up.’ Obviously [it’s not good] when our big guys get hurt, but it’s a great opportunity for other guys to step up. — Brandon Bielak
Houston is coming off getting swept by the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. It was the fourth time they’ve been swept in the still kinda new 2024 season. For contrast, they were swept five times last season…over the entire season.
The Rockies, as mentioned before, are having a rough go of the year so far, matching Houston’s record at 7-19. For further comparison’s sake, only the Chicago White Sox (3-22) and the Miami Marlins (6-20) are having a tougher go of things to date.
Colorado’s most recent set would see them take two-of-three from the San Diego Padres. In the final game, on Thursday, Brenton Doyle and Brendan Rodgers led offensively with three hits apiece, Jake Cave had two, and both Elehuris Montero and Hunter Goodman went deep in the win, The 10-9 victory was mostly courtesy of Colorado’s six-run eighth inning.
We’re off to a tough start, so every one we get, we feel good about it. If we stay at it, we know some numbers are going to turn around. We just got to hang in there and change the vibe. These types of wins really help. — Bud Black
Gametimes and Starting Pitchers
Saturday, 5:05 PM CT: Ronel Blanco (2-0, 1.33) vs. Cal Quantrill (0-2, 4.33)
Sunday, 3:05 PM CT: Framber Valdez (0-0, 2.19) vs. Austin Gomber (0-1, 4.32)