Everything Joe Espada said after the Astros Game 1 loss

The Houston Astros are 0-1 in the Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers after failing to get back into the game in the ninth inning. Houston had an impeccable outfield, but the Astros offense couldn’t figure out Tarik Skubal. The 27-year-old Cy Young favorite went six innings, allowing no runs, striking out six and allowing just four hits.

It was pure dominance, which was what we expected from Skubal every week at this point. Of course, the Tigers will not have Skubal until the end, but 1-0 is a huge advantage in the three-game series. This is an official kill or be killed on behalf of Houston. Another loss ends the season and sends the Astros into a winter wedge of uncertainty.

This feels very much like the end of an era for the Astros. That doesn’t mean this series is over – it’s not – but we may never see it This team in This light again. Dusty Baker has already retired. Justin Verlander, a three-time Cy Young winner, was too inconsistent throughout to even crack the postseason lineup. And of course, the clock is ticking on Alex Bregman’s historic tenure at H-Town.

Therefore, it is imperative that Houston remains willing to keep this feeling alive as long as possible. After the game, Joe Espada opened up about his do-or-die Game 2 strategy.

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Espada observed how close Astro were to performing a stunner. Detroit was on the brink of collapse in the ninth inning, but Beau Brieske was able to save the day with two outs and a no-hitter.

And yes, the rumors circulating on the streets are true. Hunter Brown will get the nod for Houston in Game 2. He finished the regular season with 31 appearances (30 starts) to his credit, posting a 3.49 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 170.0 innings. At just 26 years old, Brown is part of the new wave of Astros baseball. You can practically feel the baton being passed.

There is no reason to doubt Espada’s confidence in Brown, but the debuting manager is keeping all options open. If necessary, he isn’t afraid to use projected Game 3 starter Yusei Kikuchi. As he says, tomorrow’s fight is a “do or die” decision.

This would obviously complicate the Astros’ plans for Game 3, but hey, it’s better to get there and improvise than not get there at all. Houston has his back to the wall and must brake appropriately.

Espada was once again extremely complimentary of his team, especially citing Chas McCormick for his excellent AB in a difficult situation. He calls it “the inch game” and notes how differently the ninth inning could have gone with a few strokes of luck.

Espada was watched all season playing the role of a true baseball legend and was asked to coach one of baseball’s top players. That won’t change in the coming days, but he deserves credit for his measured leadership of the marquee club.