Houston has scored one or no runs 11 times in 59 games. Their performance with runners in...
Houston Astros' Martin Maldonado walks back to the dugout as the Miami Marlins celebrate their 5-1 win over the Astros during the ninth inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, June 11, 2022 in Houston.Chaos reigned for a moment before misery resumed its residence inside the first-base dugout. The Astros are discovering new ways to waste prosperity amid this trying stretch of offensive incompetence. Some games seem filled with opportunities to waste. Others have none at all.
Alex Bregman brought himself to the batter’s box. Nothing in his recent history suggested success. He brought a .709 OPS to the ballpark on Saturday. Manager Dusty Baker avoided questions about his struggles before the game, telling reporters “let’s wait” before bringing a broad assessment. Mattingly did not have his managerial review. Bass implored the umpires to make a call. When they did, no argument arrived from Houston’s dugout. Only dread remained. Miami’s bullpen retired six of the next seven it faced, sending the Astros to the type of loss becoming far too common.
This anemic offense withered against Braxton Garrett, a lefthander with limited major league experience and an abysmal track record. Miami selected him seventh overall during the 2016 draft but had not seen the pedigree manifest in major league games. He boasted a 5.60 lifetime ERA across 45 major league innings. He entered Saturday’s start with a 10.80 ERA in 3 ⅓ innings this season.