Houston Astros: Close wins are critical for a chance to repeat in 2018
The Houston Astros breathed a sigh of relief in their victory against the Padres on Saturday. And if they plan to win back-to-back World Series titles, they will have to continue to play well in similar games throughout the year.
Good teams find ways to win. Houston didn’t look like the dominant team it is during a 1-0 victory over San Diego — the Padres infield coughed up the win. The Houston Astros will take what they can get, though.
Close games can ultimately define the type of season a team will have. Some clubs crack under pressure via a weak bullpen unit, while others thrive in the situations.
Houston has played in two games decided by one run thus far. The Astros notched wins in both. Competition in the American League West – Angels, anyone? – gives those victories even more importance.
Although teams don’t need to be flawless in one-run games to obtain a World Series title, it clearly helps. But the team’s critical performance centers on the postseason. Since 2010, every World Series champion owned a winning record in one-run games in October – and November.
More than half of the championship crews also possessed records above .500 in that scenario during the regular season. Two – Cubs and Red Sox – finished one game below that line, while the 2014 Giants finished 18-22 that year.
Overall, few teams that sputter in close games reach the postseason, let alone the Fall Classic.
One-run game records of World Series champions since 2010
- Astros 2017- 18-13 regular season, 5-0 in postseason
- Cubs 2016- 22-23 regular season, 4-3 in postseason
- Royals 2015- 23-17 regular season, 3-0 in postseason
- Giants 2014- 18-22 regular season, 5-2 in postseason
- Red Sox 2013- 20-21 regular season, 3-3 in postseason
- Giants 2012- 29-20 regular season, 2-0 in postseason
- Cardinals 2011- 24-22 regular season, 5-2 in postseason
- Giants 2010- 27-24 regular season, 6-1 in postseason
- Though it may sound obvious, teams must assure they are able to pull out close games on a consistent basis. The Astros did so last year with a deep relief corps and remarkable strategic skills from manager A.J. Hinch.
Is there a Ken Giles problem?
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Houston fans occasionally express their uneasiness when the closer makes his way to the mound. But after a rough campaign during his first year in Texas, the flamethrower has been above-average.
Like a fine wine, Giles becomes better with age – he’s much better after the All-Star Break.
The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 1.19 ERA in the second half last year with a 44-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio. As a whole, Giles also ranked 25th in strikeouts per nine innings.
His early season “struggles” are not alarming. The Astros have not been pitted in many close games thus far, meaning his role is limited.
Giles sported a monthly ERA above 4.50 in both April and June last season. In fact, out of nine pre-All-Star months in his career, the reliever boasted an ERA above 3.90 during five of them – monthly.
Next: Kyle Tucker may be an Astro in no time
Like starting pitchers, the 27-year-old needs time to get in his rhythm. Fans must be patient. Once Hinch begins to lose patience with the fireballer, then they have a reason to worry.