NEW YORK – The clergy of Astros clashed on Saturday afternoon when they made a combined without a striker in a 3-0 victory against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Not surprisingly, Astros hunter Martin Maldonado was behind the plate when the story was told. He showed once again why he is one of the best hunters in defense in baseball.
Maldonado was the only one to lead right-hander Christian Javier, who made seven innings and scored a career-high 13 shots. Relievers Hector Neris and Ryan Presley placed the last two innings. It was the 18th time in MLB history when a team threw a combined without a striker.
Javier’s fastball and four-stitch slider were unbeatable. He said he and Maldonado were on the same side throughout the match.
“All the games he called, I was already thinking in my head. I wanted to throw away those games, “said Javier through translator Genlore Herrera. “Thank God everything works well. Having Maldonado on a plate is important to us. ”
Maldonado was aware that Javier was talented enough to be part of a combined without a striker. Maldonado first saw the skills when Javier made his Premier League debut in 2020.
“It’s one of the most exciting pitchers to catch. He always keeps getting better, “said Maldonado.” We call him ‘El Reptile’ because he doesn’t show any emotion. It doesn’t matter how big the stage is – playoffs, world series. I asked him, ‘Are you ever scared?’ will give up five [runs] or throwing without an attacker. He’s still the same person. “
Maldonado seems to be at the center of special events. He was behind the record on June 14 when Louis Garcia and Phil Matton threw a flawless inning against the Rangers.
“I’m very proud behind the plate,” Maldonado said. “Every time you make a story, it’s amazing. … These are memories that will continue [a] long [time]”
Maldonado is so important behind the plate for Houston that it doesn’t matter what he does in the tester’s box. Maldonado scored 0.150 with five home runs and 16 RBIs.
Astros manager Dusty Baker says Maldonado does his homework and follows both Houston’s plan and his own game plan every night.
“He judges things by the result, the pitcher’s team that day and what the inning is. He is proud to call the game, throw and catch, “said Baker. “He is also proud of hitting because he is worried about not hitting. He works hard at this. It can’t happen to a better person than Maldi without a striker. “
The lost pitcher was Gerrit Cole, who was Maldonado’s teammate when they were both with Astros in 2019. Cole was not surprised that Javier threw a great match with Maldonado behind the plate.
“We were ahead, so the tip of the hat to Javier,” Cole said. “It’s a special day for him. He excelled in the versatile mixing of his tones. Maldonado was sharp behind the plate for him and so the chips fell. “
Yes, the Yankees have the best record in baseball, but Maldonado said don’t forget about the Astros, who won their 45th game of the season.
“A lot of people talk about the Yankees and they don’t talk much about the Astros,” he said. “I have the feeling that we are still the same team. We like to compete there, especially with a good team. We felt that way [the playoffs] enters the series. “
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