The reigning champion, the Houston Astros, have been anything but championship-caliber this season.
Part of the reason for their problems is that they have problems in extra-inning games.
They lost their first six extra-inning games.
But they finally ended that drought on Sunday Night Baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Astros were able to improve their extra innings record to 1-6 with the win.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, there are only three teams left that have not won an extra-inning game this season.
The Astros’ 6-5, 11-inning victory over the Dodgers on Sunday night marked their first extra-inning win in 7 attempts this season.
With Houston’s win, only the Padres (0-6), Diamondbacks (0-3) and Royals (0-3) have yet to earn an extra-inning win in 2023. pic.twitter.com/pSqZ2RlUX1
— ESPN Stats and Information (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 26, 2023
It’s shocking to see the Astros struggling in close games.
They’ve been one of the best teams in baseball the past few seasons, but they’re struggling this year.
Houston ranks second in the AL West and has a 42-36 record on the year.
They sit 5.5 games behind the Texas Rangers and have shown no signs of slowing down.
In five of the past six seasons, the Astros have won the division.
But, due to some injuries to key players, the Astros haven’t lived up to their potential.
This recent series with the Dodgers was intense.
That’s because Dodgers fans haven’t forgotten how they were tricked out of the 2017 World Series.
Houston was caught stealing signs and broadcasting the pitch coming to his hitters.
Even though the Astros got away with cheating, opposing fans will never forget what they did.
The Astros still have a strong roster.
But if they can’t stay healthy, there won’t be a repeat of the championship for them.
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Rob Manfred comments on a crucial past Astros decision
