Astros eye NY weather for Game 4 options
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HOUSTON -- Early weather forecasts are predicting a 100-percent chance of rain in New York City on Wednesday, which, of course, is when Game 4 of the American League Championship Series is set for Yankee Stadium between the Astros and Yankees.
A rainout would push Game 4 back to Thursday and Game 5 (if necessary) to Friday, which is currently scheduled to be a travel day to Houston. The Astros have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Game 4, but it won’t be Zack Greinke, Verlander or Gerrit Cole if it’s played as scheduled.
| Game | Date | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gm 1 | Oct. 12 | NYY 7, HOU 0 | Watch |
| Gm 2 | Oct. 13 | HOU 3, NYY 2 (11) | Watch |
| Gm 3 | Oct. 15 | HOU 4, NYY 1 | Watch |
| Gm 4 | Oct. 17 | HOU 8, NYY 3 | Watch |
| Gm 5 | Oct. 18 | NYY 4, HOU 1 | Watch |
| Gm 6 | Oct. 19 | HOU 6, NYY 4 | Watch |
Shop for postseason gear: The most likely candidate to start Game 4 if it’s played Wednesday is rookie José Urquidy, but the Astros would likely lean heavily on their bullpen that day. A postponement of Game 4, however, would mean Houston could start Game 1 starter Greinke on normal rest on Thursday.
“Looks like Game 3 is fine before we have to worry about a Game 4,” Hinch said. “We'll see how that goes.”
Medical team member stable after scary moment
A member of the medical team that offers emergency support in the Astros' dugout was in stable condition in a Houston area hospital after he was struck by a foul ball in the fifth inning of Game 2 on Sunday night at Minute Maid Park.
In a statement released by the Astros, Harris County Emergency Corps CEO Jeremy Hyde provided the update on the condition of the man, an HCEC employee. He appeared to be struck in the head by a foul ball off the bat of Michael Brantley. Play was temporarily stopped as Astros medical personnel tended to the man, who walked into the clubhouse with some assistance.
It's standard practice for emergency medical personnel to be stationed in one of the dugouts to assist any life-threatening situations on the field of play.
Twenty years, 20 wins
In 1999, Mike Hampton and Jose Lima became the first Astros duo in history to log 20 wins each in the same season. They held the distinction of being the only tandem to do so over the next 20 years, until this season, when Verlander and Gerrit Cole matched them.
Sunday's Game 2 ceremonial first pitch paid homage to all four, with Hampton throwing the pitch to Jose Lima Jr., who represented his late father.
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"I've known him since he was a baby," Hampton said of Lima Jr. "To have him out there at this moment, to represent the Astros and the organization, and 20-game winners, I'm glad he's here to do it and honor his dad and be a part of it."
Hampton and Lima won 22 and 21 games, respectively, in 1999 and led the Astros to their third consecutive National League Central title. They were a formidable pair -- Hampton, hard-nosed and aggressive, was known as "The Bulldog," and Lima, as well-known for his gregarious reactions to strikeouts while on the mound as he was for his fun-loving, salsa-dancing nature off of it, was one of many fan favorites during that era of Astros baseball.
Lima Jr., who was raised in Houston and currently attends the University of Houston, has been an Astros fan his entire life. He said he cried his eyes out when the Astros won the World Series in 2017.
"My dad played for four or five different teams throughout the years, but the Astros have always had my heart," Lima said. "I love being out here, in front of the Houston fans. Everyone seems to have a great story about my father."