2019 Houston Astros season

March—April

For Opening Day on March 28, the Tampa Bay Rays hosted the Astros at Tropicana Field, where Justin Verlander made his second Opening Day start for Houston, and 11th overall in his career..^[5] Opposite Verlander was reigning Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.^[6] The Astros won, 5–1, as each of George Springer (third inning), Michael Brantley (fourth), and Jose Altuve (fifth) all homered to back Verlander, who earned the victory. Verlander pitched 7 innings, surrendered 3 hits and struck out 9, earning a game score of 75.^[7] Springer's longball was his third in successive on Opening Day.^[8] Moreover, the triumph garnered a seven-Opening Day winning streak for Houston, a club-record,^[9] which extended to ten through 2022, tying an all-time Major League record.^[10]

On April 3 versus the Texas Rangers, Carlos Correa collected the 500th hit of his career.^[11] Correa doubled off Mike Minor for the milestone hit; however, the Rangers scored thrice off Gerrit Cole (0–2) and shut out the Astros, 4–0, who fell to 2–5.^[12]

In April 9 game against the New York Yankees, Jose Altuve connected for his 100th career home run off Jonathan Loáisiga in a 6–3 win. Altuve became the 16th player in Astros history to reach 100 home runs.^[13][14]

On April 12, the Astros connected for two grand slams in a single game, the third time in franchise history they had done so,^[b][15] to power a 10–6 triumph over the Seattle Mariners. George Springer hit a two-run home run in during the top of the third inning for the Astros' first runs.^[16] During the top of the sixth inning, Altuve connected for the second grand slam of his career, a go-ahead play for a 6–3 Houston advantage,^[14] and Yuli Gurriel hit the fourth of his career in the top of the eighth.^[17] Altuve for his first grand slam since August 17, 2014,^[14] while Gurriel's was his first since September 21, 2018.^[17]

Altuve swatted another home run the next night off Félix Hernández on April 13, homering for the fifth consecutive game and sixth home run in that span. Altuve was the first Astro to hit a home run in five consecutive games since Morgan Ensberg's franchise-record six consecutive games in 2006. Verlander, the starting pitcher, struck out eight of the first 10 batters that he faced and 11 of 20 overall. He allowed one run in six innings.^[18]

From April 20–30, Alex Bregman tied a club record by drawing at least one base on balls in each of 11 consecutive contests. Bregman drew 13 total walks with this active streak, while slashing .229 / .440 / .457 / .897. He also slammed 2 home runs. First achieved by Jimmy Wynn from July 6–15, 1969, Joe Morgan replicated the feat for Houston from July 6–20, 1970.^[c][19]

During the month of April, Gerrit Cole recorded 65 strikeouts, the most in the major leagues since Clayton Kershaw also stuck out 65 in May 2016.^[d][20]

May

With rain seeping through the roof on Minute Maid Park on May 9, Josh Reddick singled in the game-tying run that led to a 4–2 win over Texas. Further, he robbed former Astro Hunter Pence of an imminent three-run blast.^[21] George Springer went 5-for-5 on May 12, including clubbing two home runs to lead a 15–5 win over the Rangers. The performance also helped Houston pull off a four-game sweep of Texas.^[22] Springer recorded five tallies for the second time in his career, and first since May 26, 2014. The five-hit, multi-homer bout was first of this type for Springer, the third five-hit contest of his career, and first since his six-hit performance on May 7, 2018.^[23]

From May 6 to 12, George Springer batted .510 (14-for-27) / .563 on-base percentage (OBP) / 1.148 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.711 on-base plus slugging (OPS), 10 runs scored, five home runs, 10 RBI, and 31 total bases. Springer collected four multi-hit games.^[24] He was named American League (AL) Player of the Week for the week ended May 12.^[25]

On May 22, the Chicago White Sox routed the Astros, 9–4, including roughing up Gerrit Cole (4–5, 4.11 earned run average, ERA) for six runs over six frames, which saddled him with the loss. However, this was Cole's final defeat for remainder of the 2019 regular season, also Houston's 50th game of the year. Just twice over his final 22 starts did he yield more than two runs (four each).^[26] Cole was not charged with another defeat until Game 1 of the World Series later in the year, his fourth start in the playoffs, after having won each of the first three.^[27]

Closer Roberto Osuna converted his 25th consecutive save on May 24, breaking a club record. The streak had started the previous August 18, surpassing Brad Lidge (24 consecutive from June 21–September 28, 2005). Osuna's feat remained the franchise longest until Josh Hader converted 29 consecutive from April 7 to August 29, 2024.^[e][28]

On May 28, A. J. Hinch obtained his 500th win as manager,^[29] as the Astros toppled the Chicago Cubs, 9–6. Chicago blasted five home runs, but Houston answered with five doubles—two by Jake Marisnick (8)—and two home runs by Alex Bregman (17). Bregman collected three RBI, and Michael Brantley had two hits and two RBI as Houston scored four times in the bottom of the fourth. Josh James (2–0) picked up the victory in relief while surrendering three runs over 2+1⁄3 frames.^[30]

With injuries stacking up, on May 29 shortstop Carlos Correa sustained a bruised rib during a massage session. He was forced to join fellow All-Stars Springer and Jose Altuve on the injured list (IL) and expected to miss four to six weeks.^[31]

June

On June 9, Yordan Alvarez made his major league debut versus the Baltimore Orioles.^[32] He went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in his debut.^[33] Alvarez' home run ignited a 4–0 shutout victory. In his first plate appearance during the bottom of the second inning, Alvarez flied out versus Dylan Bundy. With Yuli Gurriel aboard in the bottom of the fourth, Alvarez launched a Bundy offering deep to left center field for his first home run and break a scoreless tie. Wade Miley (6–3) tossed six inning to earn the win. With two runners on base and two out during the top ninth, Roberto Osuna entered and induced a ground ball out from Rio Ruiz to himself to earn the save (17).^[34] The following game, Alvarez again homered, this time versus Matt Albers of the Milwaukee Brewers. He became the first Astro to homer in both of his first two games.^[35]

Alvarez became the fourth player in MLB history to hit four home runs in his first five career games when he homered off Clayton Richard of the Toronto Blue Jays, joining Trevor Story, Yasiel Puig and Mike Jacobs.^[36]

During a contest that spanned 14 innings on June 12 and ended in a 6–3 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, Justin Verlander whiffed 15 to author the thirteenth such bout in club history, and became the eighth Astros moundsman to do so. This was the first such outing since Gerrit Cole had struck out 16 during a one-hit shutout on May 4 of the previous year.^[f][37] This established a career-high for the right-hander, who had previously recorded 14 strikeouts four times, most recently on August 3, 2018.^[38] Verlander earned the quality start, allowing three runs in seven inning and requiring just 100 pitches. Astros pitching combined for 24 strikeouts that game as six relievers succeeded Verlander. Cionel Pérez (1–1) yielded a tie-breaking home run to Mike Moustakas in the top of the final frame and was charged with the loss.^[39]

On June 23, Alvarez hit a two-run home run for the seventh in just his twelfth contest, establishing an Astros franchise record. He also became the first Major Leaguer to register 16 runs batted in during that same span.^[40]

Righty Gerrit Cole concluded the month of June with a 3–0 record, 1.89 earned run average (ERA), and 49 whiffs over six starts. He worked 38 innings, allowed 29 hits and 1.026 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP).^[41] Hence, he was recognized as American League (AL) Pitcher of the Month. It was the first time he had won since April 2015, in the National League, as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The most recent Astro to win was Verlander in May of the previous campaign.^[42]

Meanwhile, Yordan Alvarez concluded his first month in the major leagues with a .317 batting average / .406 on-base percentage (OBP) / .733 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.139 on-base plus slugging (OPS) over 16 games. Alvarez connected for 7 home runs, 21 runs batted in (RBI), and 44 total bases.^[43] Hence, he received AL Rookie of the Month honors for June, succeeding Yuli Gurriel in July 2017 as the most recent Astro to win the award.^[44]

July, pre-All-Star break

On July 2, right-hander José Urquidy made his major league debut starting at Coors Field versus the Rockies. Urquidy worked 3+2⁄3 innings, struck out four and allowed two runs on six hits.^[45]

Yuli Gurriel became the first Astro to score a run and RBI in seven consecutive games, and the fifth to homer in five consecutive games on July 7, including a game-tying grand slam in an 11–10 win versus the Los Angeles Angels. He won the AL Player of the Week Award for the week ending July 8, his second weekly honor. He homered six times in all five of the Astros games, collecting nine hits with an OPS of 1.812.^[46]

MLB All-Star Game

For the third successive campaign, six players represented Houston at the MLB All-Star Game, hosted on July 9 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, the most in baseball. Four Astros were named to the starting lineup, including Alex Bregman, Michael Brantley, Justin Verlander, and George Springer, also the most. Pitchers Gerrit Cole and Ryan Pressly were also selected as reserves.^[47] Verlander became the fifth Astros hurler to be named starting pitcher at the Midsummer Classic, succeeding J. R. Richard (1980), Mike Scott (1986), Roger Clemens (2004), and Dallas Keuchel (2015).^[48]

During the bottom of the second inning, Brantley doubled home Bregman off Clayton Kershaw for the first tally of the contest. The American League retained the lead until the close of the game, prevailaing 4–3.^[49]

July, post-All-Star break

On July 17, Michael Brantley slugged his 100th career home run, and 13th of the season, at Angel Stadium during the top of the first inning off Félix Peña.^[50]

Starting July 19, Justin Verlander registered 10 or more strikeouts over seven consecutive games started, one fewer than the major league record held by Pedro Martinez^[g] and Chris Sale,^[h] and most in the major leagues since the final bout of Sale's catenation on May 19, 2017.^[i][51] Meanwhile, Houston's batting order belted four solo solo home runs in support. Yuli Gurriel (17) led off the bottom of the second inning with a home run off Mike Minor. One inning later, each of Jose Altuve (13), Alex Bregman (26), and Yordan Alvarez (10) homered off Minor in succession. Verlander (12–4) was the winning pitcher during a 4–3 triumph over the Texas Rangers, whiffing 12, and scattered 8 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs over 7 innings. Will Harris (14) and Josh James (3) earned holds, and Robert Osuna converted his 21st save.^[52] The victory was the 436th of A. J. Hinch's tenure as manager for Houston, passing Larry Dierker for sole possession of second place. This was the seventh occasion that the Astros connected for back-to-back-to-back home runs.^[j][53]

During a contest versus the St. Louis Cardinals on July 28, Jose Altuve homered for his 1,500th career hit, one of three hits in a 6–2 win that afternoon, in his 1,190th career game. The only players in the divisional play era to reach the milestone faster were Ichiro Suzuki, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Nomar Garciaparra, Tony Gwynn and Derek Jeter.^[54]

For the month of July, Gurriel batted .408, .437 OBP, .847 SLG, 40 hits, 18 runs scored, seven doubles, 12 home runs, 31 RBIs over 24 games.^[55] Gurriel became the ninth player in club history to register 30 or more RBI in one month, succeeding Alex Bregman and Evan Gattis in June of the previous campaigh. Additionally, Gurriel joined Richard Hidalgo in September 2000 to record each of a .400 batting average, 10 home runs, and 30 RBI in the same month. ^[k][56]

Prior to the trade deadline on July 31, the Astros made three separate trades. From the Arizona Diamondbacks, they acquired right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke for right-handers J. B. Bukauskas and Corbin Martin, outfielder Seth Beer and infielder Joshua Rojas. From the Toronto Blue Jays, the Astros received right-handers Joe Biagini and Aaron Sanchez and minor league OF Cal Stevenson for OF Derek Fisher. Additionally, the Astros sent catcher Max Stassi to the Los Angeles Angels for minor league outfielders Rainier Rivas and Raider Uceta.^[57]

MLB named three Astros as winners of three of four AL monthly awards for July, including Gurriel as Player of the Month, Gerrit Cole as Pitcher of the Month, and Alvarez as Rookie of the Month.^[58] His second Pitcher of the Month Award, Cole became the fourth Astros hurler to win at least twice during the same season, joining Randy Johnson (1998), Andy Pettitte (2005), and Dallas Keuchel (thrice, 2015).^[42] Gurriel batted .408 (40-for-98) 40 /.437 on-base percentage (OBP) / .847 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.284 on-base plus slugging (OPS), 12 home runs, 29 RBI, and 83 total bases.^[59] Gurriel succeeded Alex Bregman in June of the previous year as the most recent Astro to win Player of the Month.^[60]

Sanchez—Harris—Biagini—Devenski combined no-hitter

On August 3, Sanchez and Biagini, both making their Astros debuts, tossed part of a combined no-hitter of the Seattle Mariners, along with Will Harris and Chris Devenski, to lead a 9–0 win. It was the twelfth no-hitter in club history overall, the second combined, and first no-hitter for each pitcher. Sanchez started and worked the first six innings with six strikeouts and two walks allowed, and Harris, Biagini, and Devenski each followed with one inning apiece. The Astros lineup got 15 hits, with Jose Altuve connecting for his 18th home run, and Michael Brantley went 3-for-5 with four RBI and two doubles.^[61] Alex Bregman augmented with a triple, and each of Altuve, Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, and Carlos Correa collected two hits. Sanchez yielded three baserunners and earned a game score of 76.^[62]

This no-hitter was the first for the Astros since August 21, 2015, by Mike Fiers, a 3–0 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Houston pitched their first combined no-hitter on June 11, 2003, a six-man effort started by Roy Oswalt at the original Yankee Stadium, which resulted in an 8–0 victory.^[63]

Just four weeks later, on September 1, Verlander pitched Houston's next no-hitter.^[63]

Rest of August

On August 4, Justin Verlander struck out 10 batters over 6 innings in a 3–1 win over the Mariners. With this 10-K performance, Verlander surpassed 200 strikeouts in a season for the ninth time in his career. He joined Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Tom Seaver, Pedro Martinez, and Bob Gibson as the only pitchers with nine or more seasons of 200+ strikeouts. All but Clemens and Verlander (ineligible at the time due to still being active) were in the Hall of Fame.^[64]

In a 14–3 romp over the Colorado Rockies on August 7, Gurriel homered and tied J. R. Towles with eight RBIs for the club record in one game.^[65]

The Astros established a number of franchise records at Camden Yards on August 10, including 23 runs scored, 13 extra-base hits,^[66] and a scoring differential of 21 runs, toppling the Baltimore Orioles, 23–2. This was the first contest in franchise history in which the Astros won by at least 20 runs. The Astros connected for seven doubles and six home runs.^[l][67] Three of the home runs came via rookie Yordan Alvarez (17), including his first grand slam, hit off Tayler Scott during the top of the seventh inning.^[68] With a career-high seven runs driven in, Alvarez' total stood at 51 to establish the major league record for the first 45 games.^[69] Meanwhile, Alex Bregman doubled twice (23) and homered (28), and Jose Altuve (20) and Carlos Correa (16) also went deep.^[70] Alvarez became the thirteenth Astro to hit three home runs in a game, succeeding Carlos Lee on April 13, 2007—who, like Alvarez, hit a grand slam during that bout.^[m][71]

On August 15, Carlos Correa hit his 100th career home run in 7–6 loss to the Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. He joined Cal Ripken Jr. and Alex Rodriguez as the only major league shortstops to hit 100 career home runs before their 25th birthday. He was also the youngest Astro to hit the milestone home run.^[72]

On August 18, Zack Greinke obtained his 200th career win, leading a 4–1 final at Oakland, also snapping a five-game losing streak for Houston. Greinke worked seven frames while scattering three walks, struck out six, to augment his record on the season to 13–4. Greinke became the 115th hurler overall and third active to reach the win threshold, joining rotation-mate Verlander (219)—who recorded his as a member of the Astros on August 19, 2018—and CC Sabathia (251). Greinke and Verlander were also two of 32 moundsmen all-time to procure 200 wins and 2,500 strikeouts. Alex Bregman stroked four hits, homered (30) and recorded 3 RBI to lead Houston's offense, his second consecutive 30-home run season.^[73] Verlander and Greinke were the second and third hurlers to record his 200th win in an Astros uniform, following Nolan Ryan on July 27, 1982.^[74]

Sanchez was removed from his fourth start for the Astros on August 20 after 2+2⁄3 innings due to pectoral muscle tightness, and later underwent surgery, prematurely ending his season.^[75]

On August 22, Abraham Toro made his major league debut, going 0-for-4 versus the Detroit Tigers.^[76] The Astros won, 6 to 3, led by Gerrit Cole (15–5) blanking the Tigers on two hits over seven inning with 12 strikeouts, earning the victory and a game score of 84. Michael Brantley doubled and collected three hits and two RVI, and Alex Bregman homered (31) and had two hits and two RBI.^[77]

Alex Bregman hit .404, with 14 doubles, 6 home runs, 31 RBI, and 1.235 OPS during the month of August. Bregman joined Hidalgo in September 2000 as the second Astro to hit .400, 14 doubles, and 30 RBI in the same month. Additionally this was Bregman's second month with at least 30 RBI (June 2018), joining Jeff Bagwell (6 times) as the second Astro with multiple 30-RBI months.^[k][56]

Justin Verlander's no-hitter

In the September 1 contest versus the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, Verlander pitched his third career no-hitter, the second of the season for the Astros, and 13th in team history. He allowed one baserunner, a walk to Cavan Biggio (son of Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio) in the first inning, and struck out 14 batters. The Astros' only runs came on a two-run home run by Abraham Toro in the top of the ninth inning. This was also Verlander's second career no-hitter against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, making him just the third pitcher of the modern era to no-hit the same team twice, and the first to pitch both no-hitters against the same team on the road.^[n] He is the sixth pitcher to throw three or more no-hitters in his career.^[78][79] Verlander fanned each of Bichette, Biggio, Justin Smoak, Rowdy Tellez, and Randal Grichuk more than once. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the only Blue Jay who resisted strikeout.^[80]

The Blue Jays pitching were dominant as well, with opener Wilmer Font, Sam Gaviglio, and Zack Godley all combining to hurl scoreless ball against the Houston's lineup stacked with sluggers through the first eight frames. Former Astros closer Ken Giles assumed the top of the ninth. Alex Bregman led off with a popup that turned into a double when Biggio was unable to dive and secure the batted ball beyond first base. Rookie Yordan Alvarez struck out, and Aledmys Díaz, playing first base, lined out to center field, allowing Bregman to advance to third. The Canadian-born Toro then cranked a 1-and-1 offering from Giles deep to the left-center field bleachers to provide the Astros with a 2–0 advantage.^[81]

During the bottom of the ninth, Verlander induced the final out when Bo Bichette hit a ground ball to Toro, manning third base that contest. Toro scooped, then rifled the ball to Díaz at first base to seal the no-hit outing.^[81]

With the no-hitter, Verlander hurled the 16th contest in Major League history that featured a game score of 100 or higher in nine innings and under (each game fitting these criteria have been either no-hit or one-hit shutout victories), and second in franchise history. Verlander's no-hitter succeeded rotation-mate Gerrit Cole's one-hit, 16-strikeout performance on May 4, 2018.^[o][82]

Having reprised the combined no-hit bout of Sanchez—Harris—Biagini—Devenski on August 3, Verlander's magnum opus thrusted the 2019 Astros as the 15th MLB squad to assemble two no-hitters within the same campaign—also tying the MLB record. The first in franchise history, the 2019 Astros were the 10th club in AL history to turn out two no-hit bouts. In 2022, the Astros replicated this feat, establishing the MLB record for shortest gap between such seasons. Overall, the Boston Red Sox franchise has the most campaigns of this type of achievement, with 3 (1904, 1916, and 1962).^[83]

Rest of September

Co-aces Justin Verlander (left) and Gerrit Cole (right).

On September 5, right fielder Kyle Tucker connected for his first major league home during the bottom of the sixth inning off Marco Gonzales, with Seattle leading, 7–3,^[84] one of multiple timely hits. Two batters later, Josh Reddick took Gonzales deep. During the bottom of the eighth inning, Jose Altuve tripled home Robinson Chirinos and Reddick to rally the Astros back to an 8-to-7 deficit, and Michael Brantley lined a sacrifice fly to left field to plate Altuve and tie the score. The game proceeded to extra innings, and in the twelfth, Kyle Seager took Josh James deep to left field and Seattle regained the lead, 9–8. Tucker singled home Myles Straw during the bottom of the twelfth to tie the score again, and, in the bottom of the 13th, Brantley drilled a walk-off home run to deep right center to secure an 11–9 triumph,^[85] Brantley's third career walk-off homer, and first as an Astro.^[50]

On September 7, Verlander continued his dominance, reaching 32 consecutive batters retired, a streak that established an Astros franchise record and was tied by teammate Ryan Pressly in 2022.^[86]

On September 8, Gerrit Cole struck out 15 batters over eight innings in a 21–1 victory over the Seattle Mariners. He became just the second pitcher to strike out 14 or more hitters in three consecutive games, joining Pedro Martínez in 1999. It was the sixth outing of the season of at least 10 strikeouts and no walks for Cole, tying the major league record. The 15 strikeouts tied Verlander's Minute Maid Park record, set earlier in the season on June 12 versus the Brewers. It was Cole's 12 consecutive decision won, dating back to May 27, with the Astros going 16–2 in those 18 starts.^[87]

The Astros established a major league record on September 9 by hitting six home runs within the first two innings of a 15–0 rout of the A's. Robinson Chirinos and Yordan Alvarez each homered twice, and Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, and Michael Brantley all added home runs to give the Astros a club record-tying seven in the game.^[p] Alvarez (24) passed Correa for the club rookie record for home runs, while increasing his RBI total to 72, which tied for second-highest total through the first 71 games of a career in major league history.^[q] Former Astro Mike Fiers (14–4), starting for Oakland, allowed career-highs of both nine runs and five home runs on nine hits in one-plus innings. Combined with the 21-run output the day before versus Seattle, the Astros established a club record with 36 runs scored over two games, including 32 runs over a nine-inning span. The 32 runs were second in major league history within a nine-inning span only to the 2007 Texas Rangers, which included a record 30–3 win over Baltimore, per the Elias Sports Bureau.^[88]

The following day, on September 10, the Athletics routed Houston, 21–7, tying their franchise with 25 hits, last achieved in 1969. Astros starter Wade Miley (13–5) had got just one out when pulled in the first after the A's led 6–0, following his last start in Seattle where he had allowed five runs without recording any outs. Still, it was his first loss since June 17. The Astros became the first MLB team since the Cleveland Spiders in 1893 to play three consecutive contests decided by 14 or more runs each.^[89] George Springer hit a leadoff home run for Houston, and connected again in the third inning, with both drives of Tanner Roark. The second drive was Houston's 250th of the season,^[90] to set a club record, surpassing the 2000 squad.^[91] Martín Maldonado also connected during the fifth and ninth innings, raising the team total to 252 by the end of the contest.^[90]

On September 18 versus Texas, Cole struck out his 300th batter of the season, Shin-Soo Choo, in a 3–2 win. Cole became the 18th major leaguer and third Astros pitcher to reach the milestone, following J. R. Richard (303 in 1978 and 313 in 1979) and Mike Scott (306 in 1986). Cole also became the second-fastest pitcher to register 300 strikeouts in terms of innings pitched; his 198+1⁄3 innings trailed only Randy Johnson's 197+2⁄3 IP in 2001. The win, the Astros' 100th of the season, clinched at least a share of a Wild Card berth, and made them the sixth team in history to win at least 100 games in three consecutive seasons.^[92] The Astros clinched the AL West division title at Minute Maid Park on September 22, their 102nd win of the year, third straight division title, and first three-peat since the 1997–1999 seasons. Justin Verlander and George Springer led a 13–5 defeat of the Los Angeles Angels. Verlander won his 20th game of the season, Springer connected for three home runs, Yordan Alvarez collected four hits, and Aledmys Díaz added a three-run home run.^[93]

On September 22, George Springer homered thrice, becoming the 14th Astro to do so in a single game, while succeeding Yordan Alvarez on August 10, 2019.^[r][71] Alvarez added four hits with two doubles, Alex Bregman (39) and Aledmys Díaz (8) also homered, and Justin Verlander tossed five innings to obtain his 20th win. Houston cruised to a 13–5 triumph over the Angels.^[94]

Record-setting win

On September 25, Zack Greinke (18–5) started and won the 104th win of the season for Houston,^[95] securing the franchise record for a single season (103) from the prior season.^[96] Moreover, Greinke came within two outs of his first career no-hitter and a Major League record third for one team in the same season,^[97] During the top of the first inning, the Astros seized a rapid 2–0 lead on RBI doubles by Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez off Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi (6–11). Only a base on balls issued by Greinke to Dee Strange-Gordon with one out during the bottom of the sixth inning interrupted a perfect game bid to that point. However, Greinke induced Tim Lopes to line out to himself to ignite a double play, maintaining Seattle at the minimum batters faced. In the eighth inning, Greinke snared another line drive rocketed toward him off the bat of Omar Narváez. In the top of the ninth, Astros rookie Kyle Tucker added an insurance run with a solo home run. With one out during the bottom of the ninth, Austin Nola lined a single to left-center just out of the reach of a diving Jake Marisnick to break up Greinke's no-hit hid. Lopes followed with a consecutive single. Will Harris relieved Greinke and got the final two for his third save.^[95] Tucker catalyzed a club-record 21st bout in catenation with a home run. This was a second no-hit bid by Greinke this season, following a bout with Arizona during which Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals hit an infield single in the seventh inning.^[97]

Will Harris' immaculate inning

Will Harris tossed an immaculate eighth inning versus the Angels on September 27.^[98] Harris fanned Kaleb Cowart, Matt Thaiss, and Michael Hermosillo. José Urquidy started and earned his second Major League victory, and Ryan Pressly earned his 30th hold. Alex Bregman (41) connected for a home run and three RBI (111) in the top of the eighth inning to extend Houston's lead to 4–0.^[99] The seventh immaculate inning in franchise history, it was the first by a Houston moundsman since their realignment into the American League. Harris succeeded Brandon Backe on April 15, 2004. Harris' achievement preceding the next Astros pitcher was also the first-ever event of two immaculate innings during the same game in the Major Leagues, on June 15, 2022, by Luis García and Phil Maton.^[100]

Justin Verlander's 3,000th strikeout

On September 28, Verlander became the first major leaguer to achieve his 3000th career strikeout during the same game in which he collected the 300th of the individual season during which he pitched.^[101] During the bottom of the second and fifth innings, Verlander struck out the side. His sixth strikeout, of Kole Calhoun during the bottom of the fourth, registered the milestone 3,000th. During the bottom of the sixth, Verlander got Calhoun again on a swinging strikeout for the 300th of season and his final of the game. Jose Altuve (31) went deep off José Suarez, and Josh Reddick (14) also hit a three-run home run to provide the offense. Verlander struck out 12 over 6 innings to obtain his 21th victory of the season, with a game score of 74, leading a 6-to-3 Astros win. Héctor Rondón (19) and Ryan Pressly each recorded holds, and Roberto Osuna converted his 38th save.^[102]

Verlander and Cole became the second teammate duo since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling with the 2002 Arizona Diamondbacks to reach 300 strikeouts.^[103] This victory clinched home-field advantage for Houston throughout the MLB postseason.

End of September

Gerrit Cole concluded the season on a personal 16-game winning streak.^[26] During the month of September, Cole struck out 74 batters, which was the most in the major leagues since Chris Sale whiffed 75 in June 2015.^[d][20] In addition to three AL Pitcher of the Month Awards, Cole received the Hickok Belt for September, featuring a monthly category awarded for the top performance by a professional athlete. Cole succeeded golfer Rory McIlroy, the winner for August, while ensuing George Springer in November 2017 as the most recent Astro to be named.^[104]

Performance overview

Having roared to club-record 107 victories while winning the third of three division titles for the second time in franchise history (1997—1999 National League Central division titles), manager A. J. Hinch likewise joined Larry Dierker as the second Houston manager to guide the Astros to such a feat. Hinch also became the first Astros manager to guide his club to three consecutive 100-win seasons, while having broken the club record for wins for a second consecutive year (103 in 2018 and 107 in 2019).^[47]

The Astros' slugging percentage of .495 set the major league record. They led the major leagues in bases on balls (645 BB), batting average (.274) and on-base percentage (.352 OBP), while surrendering the second-fewest runs (640), and ranked second in fielding percentage (.988). Houston pitching fanned the most hitters (1,671), while their lineup were retired via the fewest strikeouts (1,166).^[47] They also hit 288 home runs to set a club record, surpassing the 249 bombs by the 2000 squad.^[91] The Astros were recognized by Wilson Sporting Goods as their Defensive Team of the Year.^[105]

Six Astros gained selection to the inaugural edition of the All-MLB Team, the most in baseball. Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander headlined the group as First Team starting pitchers. Jose Altuve (second baseman), Alex Bregman (third baseman), Yordan Alvarez (designated hitter), and Zack Greinke (starting pitcher) each made the All-MLB Second Team.^[106][107] Meanwhile, Bregman and George Springer were named to The Sporting News' end-of-season AL All-Star team.^[108]

Verlander and Cole, anchoring the starting rotation, became just the second pair of teammates to attain 300 or more strikeouts during the same season,^[s][109] while becoming the first to turn each of 300 strikeouts, sub-3.00 earned run average (ERA) and 20 or more wins. The 300-strikeout and 20-win thresholds were first achieved by Randy Johnson (24–5 W–L, 2.32 ERA, 334 K) and Curt Schilling (23–7 W–L, 3.23 ERA, 316 K) as members of the 2002 Arizona Diamondbacks.^[110] Further, Verlander and Cole virtually replicated each other's production, combining to lead the AL in the pitching Triple Crown categories,^[t][111] and led or placed in the top five in virtually every other measure. Verlander—who led MLB in wins (21), and finished second to Cole in MLB in strikeouts (326 to 300)^[112] and in the AL in ERA (2.50 to 2.58)^[113]—clinched his second American League Cy Young Award.^[6] Cole's second-place finish signaled one of the closest Cy Young votes in history.^[114][115] Moreover, it was the just fifth season in which teammates placed both first and second in the Cy Young balloting, succeeding Don Newcombe and Sal Maglie, 1956 Dodgers; Mike Marshall and Andy Messersmith, 1974 Dodgers; and Johnson and Schilling, twice, 2001 and 2002 Diamondbacks.^[116]

Verlander and Cole joined Mike Hampton and José Lima (22 games won and 21, respectively, in 1999) as the second 20-game winner duo for the Astros.^[117]

Verlander became the fifth Astros pitcher to lead the league in wins (21), following Joe Niekro in 1979 (21), Mike Scott in 1989 (20), Mike Hampton in 1999 (22), and Roy Oswalt in 2004 (20).^[118] In addition to the Cy Young Award, Verlander was recognized as the Baseball America Major League Player of the Year,^[119] and the Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher.^[120][121] Verlander became the fourth Astros pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, and second since realigning to the American League. Previous Astros winners included Mike Scott (1986 in the National League (NL)), Roger Clemens (2004 NL), and Dallas Keuchel (2015 AL). Verlander's second Cy Young, he had previously won as a member of the Detroit Tigers in 2011,^[6] also the year in which he won the pitching Triple Crown.^[122]

In addition to setting the franchise record for the strikeouts (326), Cole led the AL, the seventh time an Astros hurler headlined the league, and fifth pitcher overall. Preceding him in this achievement included J. R. Richard (twice) in 1978 (303) and in 1979 (313), Mike Scott in 1986 (306), Nolan Ryan (twuce) in 1987 (270) and in 1988 (228), and Verlander in 2018 (290).^[123] Cole became the fifth Astro to lead all of baseball, following Richard (1987 and !979), Scott (1986), Ryan (1987) and Randy Johnson (1998).^[u][124]

Moreover, Cole finished as the AL ERA leader at 2.50, the eighth time by a Houston pitcher, and seventh individual Houston pitcher overall. Preceding Cole were J. R. Richard in 1979 (2.71), Nolan Ryan (twice) in 1981 (1.69) and 1987 (2.76), Mike Scott in 1986 (2.22), Danny Darwin in 1990 (2.21), Roger Clemens in 2005 (1.87), and Roy Oswalt in 2006 (2.98).^[125]

As the AL leader in strikeouts and ERA, Cole assembled the fourth season in which an Astros pitcher claimed two-thirds of the pitching Triple Crown (Richard in 1979, Scott in 1986, and Ryan in 1987).^[111] Along with Verlander as the AL wins leader, it was the second time in franchise history that Astros pitching claimed each of the three individual Triple Crown categories, following the 1979 team: J. Richard with 313 strikeouts and 2.71 ERA, and Joe Niekro with 21 wins.^{[118][123][125]}

Cole was recognized with The Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year Award, the fourth Astro to receive this honor, following Joe Niekro in 1979, Mike Scott in 1986, and Mike Hampton in 1999.^[v][126]

Additionally, starter Zack Greinke won each of the Silver Slugger,^[127] Gold Glove,^[128] Fielding Bible,^[129] and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards.^[105] Greinke joined Bobby Shantz (1962, also during a partial season with Houston) and Dallas Keuchel (four, 2014 to 2016, 2018) as pitchers who have won the Gold Glove as a member of the Colt .45s/Astros.^[128] Greinke tied for second-most double plays tunned by a pitcher in one season all-time (12, including 8 with Arizona, and 4 with Houston), trailing only Bob Lemon (15 in 1953), while tying with Eddie Rommel (1920), Curt Davis (1934), and Randy Jones (1976).^[130] Also winner of a second Silver Slugger,^[127] Greinke was joined by George Springer as a two-time winner, while Alex Bregman won the first of his career.^[131]

Right-hander Will Harris established an all-time club record in earned run average (ERA) for relief pitchers at 1.50 (minimum 50 innings), to surpass Don McMahon's 1.53 effort which had stood since the expansion Colt .45s inaugural 1962 campaign. In 2022, Ryne Stanek broke Harris' record with a 1.15 ERA.^[132]

Yordan Alvarez' .655 slugging percentage (SLG)^[133] and 1.067 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) were both the highest in history for a qualified rookie,^[w] exceeding Shoeless Joe Jackson's .590 SLG and 1.058 OPS during the 1911 campaign.^[134] Hence, Alvarez was recognized as AL Rookie of the Year Award, the third Astro to receive the award, preceded by Jeff Bagwell (1991) and Carlos Correa (2015).^[135] Alvarez also became the tenth Astro to win The Sporting News Rookie of the Year^{[x][136][137][138]} and was also recognized with the Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Rookie.^[139]

Bregman was runner-up for the AL Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).

300 strikeout club

No-hit games

No-hit bid

Immaculate inning