Houston Astros fan buys section beer after George Springer home run

A Houston Astros fan offered to purchase his section beer if George Springer hit a home run. When that home run happened, that fan delivered.

Outlandish statements and hyperbole are not uncommon in the realm of sports. We hear that a player is the next (insert great here) and then they barely see the field. Announcers are quick to call something the “Play of the Year,” only to move on to the next one an hour later. Fans are guilty of the same, making outlandish claims and wagers during a game.

Such was the case during the Houston Astros Game One matchup against the Cleveland Indians. An Astros fan stated that he would purchase beer for his entire section if outfielder George Springer hit a home run. Then, in the fifth inning, Springer connected against Corey Kluber, hitting that home run.

Usually, in this instance, that fan slinks off, never to be seen again. The promise of free beer, or nachos, or whatever, remains unfulfilled. This time was different, as that fan actually put his money where his mouth was.

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This was not exactly the safest wager. Heading into yesterday’s contest, Springer had 15 plate appearances against Kluber. Although he had not homered against him, and struck out six times, Springer still had five hits, including a double, in their matchups. He had more than held his own against one of the best that the game has to offer.

While Springer had proven to be able to hit Kluber in the past, the Indians pitcher did have his struggles at times. He allowed his highest hits per nine innings since 2015, and his 25 homers allowed were the most Kluber gave up in a single season. He had also struggled in the postseason last year, allowing four homers in his 6.1 innings against the Yankees in the ALDS.

Given that history, it was not much of a surprise that Springer was able to connect against Kluber. It was certainly costly for that fan when he did, especially given the price of beer at the ol’ ballgame these days. However, at least he paid his debt, learning a valuable lesson in the process.

When George Springer homered for the Houston Astros, it provided some breathing room against the Indians. For a section of fans, it also meant free beer.