May 2: Astros Do The Almost-Brawl With Rangers, Then Beat Them

Interesting start to the Lone Stat Series. In the top of the 6th, Astros starter Lance McCullers decided to throw behind Rangers hitter Mike Napoli, perhaps in retaliation for the two batters Rangers starter Andrew Cashner had already hit. Both benches cleared as you can see in the video, although mostly harsh words rather than punches were exchanged.

These two teams don't like each other. Their fans like each other even less. Just listen to the sentiments of this gentlemen as he is escorted from Minute Maid Park last year (warning: language!) In fact, DFW and Houston residents don't really have much nice to say about each other, even outside of baseball. But no matter what side of the fence you are on, there is one thing that is clear: The Rangers have cleaned the Astros clock the past two years. You can't argue with facts. Well, not in baseball, anyway.

But maybe a fight is what the Astros needed. They scored five runs in the seventh inning,. winning 6-2 in the first game of a four-game series.

Astros (17-9)

Beating the Rangers is sweet. McCullers looked strong, going 6 1/3, giving up just two runs and fanning 10. Mike Fiers goes tonight against Cole Hamels, a clear edge for the Rangers, but also a chance for another back of the rotation guy to step up for the Astros.

Here's a detailed look at the Astros pitching so far this season.

The box,

Angels (14-13)

Another week against AL West divisional foes, another chance to move up the standings. The Angels will see the worst and the first, with a road series in Seattle and a home series this coming weekend against the Astros.

Just as the starting staff seemed to solidify, down goes Tyler Skaggs for at least two months.

Athletics (11-14)

With Sonny Gray coming back, the A's rotation now looks like this: Gray, Kendall Graveman, Jharel Cotton, Andrew Triggs and Jesse Hahn. I still argue that top to bottom, given the flashes of dominance they have shown, this could be one of the better rotations in the division. But time is about to do its thing and show us whether the reality will come close to matching potential.

Josh Reddick really wanted to remain an A. Sonny Gray is officially off the disabled list while Sean Manaea, who struggled in his last start, is on it. And Rajai Davis is ready to bring back the speed.

Rangers (11-15)

Can't dwell on last night. But the troubling thing is once again a member of the bullpen blew up for the Rangers. This time Tony Barnette giving up three runs. The offense continues to sputter. But Hamels is on the mound tonight, and great starting pitching can change things quickly.

Here's a look at the details of the Rangers loss, and some cause for optimism.

The box. 

Mariners (11-15)

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipito, who put serious amounts of the team's cash into fielding a winner, isn't worried about the team's slow start. He noted in a meeting with reporters in Seattle that no one is running away with it in the American League.

Meanwhile, here's a look at Kyle Seager's disappointing April.