Following a disheartening three-game sweep by the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros held a team meeting to address their recent struggles.
Astros veteran catcher Martín Maldonado, who did not play in the 7-6 loss to Seattle, spoke up during the meeting, describing the sweep as “a slap in the face” and a “wake-up call.”
Maldonado challenged the team to elevate their performance, bring more energy, and refuse to accept defeat.
The Mariners, who had struggled against the Astros in previous seasons, turned the tables this time, winning all three games and pulling even with the Astros in the loss column.
The Astros, defending World Series champions, were outscored 19-9 and outhit 41-27 during the series, while also committing four errors.
The team’s lackluster performance prompted Astros third baseman Alex Bregman to admit, “We played terrible. We need to play a lot better. Everyone in here knows that.”
With the Mariners now just a half-game behind the Astros in the Wild Card race, Maldonado emphasized the need for better energy and a refusal to be satisfied with losses.
He expressed concern that opposing teams come to Houston with a desire to defeat the Astros, and the team must not make it easy for them. Maldonado stated, “We feel like we’re giving it away.”
The Astros’ rookie starter, Hunter Brown, had a rough outing, lasting only 2 2/3 innings and allowing six runs. Despite a valiant effort to rally back, the Astros fell short, managing just one hit in the final three innings.
Outfielder Chas McCormick acknowledged the Mariners’ strong performance, giving credit to their pitching, defense, and hitting.
Looking ahead, the Astros face a crucial four-game series against the Boston Red Sox, who are also vying for a playoff spot. With the Mariners, Blue Jays, and Red Sox all in close pursuit, the Astros recognize the importance of every remaining game in the regular season.
Bregman labeled the upcoming series against the Red Sox as “huge” and called for a collective effort to improve their performance.
As the Astros strive to regain their winning form, Maldonado emphasized the need for the team to focus on their own game and not worry about other teams.
