In a remarkable performance, Jose Altuve, the second baseman for the Houston Astros, recorded the franchise's first cycle since 2013 in a thrilling game against the Boston Red Sox. This achievement places him in an elite group of players who have achieved this feat during the current season.
Altuve's impressive display started with a double in the third inning, followed by a single in the fifth. He then tripled in the sixth and finished off his cycle with a home run in the eighth inning. This exceptional performance saw Altuve driving in four runs, tying him with teammate Yordan Alvarez for the most among Astros players.
The last Astro to hit for the cycle was Brandon Barnes on July 19, 2013. This year, other players who have hit for the cycle include Luis Arraez, Cedric Mullins, J.T. Realmuto, and Elly De La Cruz.
Return from Injury
Both Altuve and Alvarez returned from oblique injuries on July 26, marking a significant moment for the Astros. Altuve, who had missed 17 games due to his injury, entered Monday's game with a .365/.451/.522 slash line in 29 games since his return. Despite missing more games (39 in total), Alvarez has not been as consistent since his comeback.
In his fourth career four-hit game, Alvarez struck four hits and reached base five times. However, it was Altuve who truly shone, scoring four runs and driving in four more, demonstrating his invaluable contribution to the team.
Javier's Struggles Continue
On the pitching side, Astros starter Cristian Javier had a challenging outing. He lasted just over four innings, allowing four runs on six hits. This marks the sixth time in his last 11 outings that Javier failed to complete five innings, indicating a concerning trend for the Astros.
Javier's ERA during this period stands at a high 7.46. Over his last 50 2/3 innings, he has struck out 43 batters, walked 32, and allowed 12 home runs - numbers that suggest room for improvement.
Interestingly, Javier throws his fastball 58% of the time, a tactic that may need reevaluation. During the game, Boston hitters swung at 32 of the 60 fastballs Javier threw, while only 12 swings were taken at his 40 off-speed pitches. This statistic suggests that opposing teams may be catching on to his strategy.
Conclusion
Despite Javier's struggles, the game was a triumphant one for the Astros, largely due to Altuve's historic performance. His cycle is a testament to his skill and resilience, especially considering his recent return from injury. As the season progresses, both Altuve and Alvarez will undoubtedly continue to be key players for the Astros.
