Astros post best April record since 1986

HOUSTON, TX - The Astros ended the month of April as the hottest club in the Major Leagues, riding a seven-game win streak while also winning 11 of their last 12 games. Their 15-7 (.681) mark was their best in April since the 1986 club went 14-6 (.700) en route to capturing the NL Western Division title. 

Several highlights from the Astros hot start are below: 

*The Astros are currently in first place in the AL West with a 15-7 mark, which is tied for the best record in the AL. In 2014, the Astros went 9-19 in April and ended the month 9.0 games out of first place. 

*The Astros 10-2 (.833) road record is their best in franchise history after 12 games. They are tops in the Majors in road winning pct. 

*The Astros 8-1 (.889) record on the recent road trip was the best in franchise history for a 9-game road trip.  

*The Astros have outscored their opponents 54-24 during the current 7-game win streak. 

*The Astros lead the AL in stolen bases (29) and are T-1st in home runs (29). 

*The Astros team ERA of 3.04 is the lowest in the AL. Their 2.18 bullpen ERA ranks 3rd in the AL. 

*LHP Dallas Keuchel is a strong candidate for AL Pitcher of the Month after an historic April. Keuchel was 3-0 in five starts with an 0.73 ERA, which is the lowest in franchise history for any pitcher after his first five starts in a season. Keuchel also leads the AL in innings pitched (37.0) and has the lowest opponents batting average (.130) in the Majors, allowing just 16 hits in his 37.0 innings of work. Player and Pitcher of the Month winners will be announced on Monday. 

*Jose Altuve has once again been one of the top hitters in baseball. He currently leads the AL in hits with 36 and is batting .367 on the young season. Additionally, Altuve has tallied multiple hits in eight straight games, which is one shy of the club record of nine, which is shared by Jesus Alou (1969) and Billy Hatcher (1986). 

*UNDER THE RADAR: OF Jake Marisnick has quietly been one of the best all-around players in the Majors in 2015. He currently ranks 2nd in the AL in batting (.379), 7th in slugging (.621) and 4th in OPS at 1.043 (min. 60 PA)...RHP Will Harris has gone 25 straight appearances without allowing a run, dating back to last season...his streak is the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors to Aroldis Chapman's 26-game streak...in his nine scoreless appearances this season, Harris has allowed just two hits in 12.0 innings for an .053 opponents batting average. 

*Jose Altuve leads the AL in steals (9) while George Springer and Jake Marisnick are T-2nd with eight.  

*DOWN ON THE FARM: The Astros have the 2nd-best combined minor league record in baseball at 50-32 (.610)...Corpus Christi (AA) and Quad Cities (A) are currently in first place in their respective divisions while Fresno (AAA) and Lancaster (A) are currently in second place.