HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros stands in the on deck circle against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on August 16, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
George Springer couldn’t get it done late against Liam Hendriks.
The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics were set for two games Tuesday and the A’s came out on top in the first matchup. This helped increase their lead in the American League West and handed the Astros a sixth-straight loss.
Liam Hendriks came in late for the A’s in what was actually a home game for the Astros out in Oakland. The game was scheduled for seven innings and George Springer came up to bat with a runner on and his team trailing 4-2. He had the chance to be the hero, but Hendriks had other plans.
Springer looked lost against Hendriks
Springer never stood a chance with the way he was flailing at those pitcher. An off-speed pitch literally threw him off balance and his timing was shot when it came time to face the fastball. Hendriks then fanned Alex Bregman and the game was over.
That finishing sequence sums up a tough start to the year for Springer and the Astros. The team is 21-21 ahead of Tuesday night’s game and the six consecutive losses come when the Seattle Mariners have won six straight. The Los Angeles Angels even have a five-game winning streak and the AL West is no longer a two-team race.
Springer entered 2020 having made the All-Star Game every year since 2017. He is now slashing .230/.347/.459 with seven home runs this season. These are not great numbers for a player set to hit free agency this offseason.
Springer has a complete resume of success in Houston. However, a rough 2020 may be all the Astros and other teams need to drive down his price in the open market. Looking lost at the plate in clutch moments doesn’t help his case either.