Jason Heyward has been settling into his role as a reserve outfielder for the Houston Astros. On Sunday, though, his three-hit day helped the Astros survive against the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-4 win. The victory helped the Astros secure a three-game sweep over the Angels, heading into an upcoming series against the San Diego Padres.
Before heading to “Slam-Diego,” though, Heyward took some meaningful cuts in the batter’s box in Anaheim, Calif. He connected on a fastball in the third inning, pulling it over the right-center field wall to give Houston a 1-0 lead. Heyward added two more hits as part of the Astros’ offense. On Sunday, Heyward also had a stolen base, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Needless to say, he played a key role in securing the Astros’ fourth straight victory.
Houston Astros Welcome Heyward’s Bat
The Houston Astros picked up Heyward after he was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Houston needed some outfield support as outfielder Kyle Tucker had been rehabbing his shin fracture/contusion since June. Tucker, though, is back in the Astros’ starting lineup now. Yet Heyward’s veteran presence and bat are most welcome as the Astros eye yet another return to postseason play.
“This is a good group of guys,” Heyward said after Sunday’s win, MLB.com reporter Brian McTaggart reported. “They clown with each other but also enjoy getting ready for battle. We’ve got guys grinding with injuries right now, and that’s a part of the game. I just want to be right there in the middle of that and knowing anything you can do on any night can help the team win.”
Heyward’s homer came off Angels’ 20-year-old rookie starter Caden Dana (1-2). Dana went 3 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
After the victory, Heyward took note of where Dana pitched him in that key third-inning at-
