Baseball

Astros Host Marlins as Spring Training Heats Up

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are set to face off against the Miami Marlins in Grapefruit League action, with the game scheduled for 5:05 p.m. CST at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL. This matchup marks the sixth and final meeting between these two teams this spring, and the Astros hold a 4-1 edge in the series so far.

On the mound for Houston will be right-hander Hunter Brown, who is making his fourth official spring start. Brown comes into this game with an impressive track record, having allowed just one run on two hits over 8.2 innings, resulting in a stellar 1.04 ERA. His performance this spring has solidified his role as the Astros’ Opening Day starter, as announced by manager Joe Espada. Brown, a 2025 All-Star, finished third in the AL Cy Young voting last season after posting a 12-9 record and a 2.43 ERA, ranking first among AL starters in opponent slugging percentage and second in ERA.

Tonight’s game will also see several potential relievers for the Astros, including Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, Christian Roa, Enyel De Los Santos, Logan VanWey, Amicar Chirinos, and Alex Santos, further showcasing the depth of the Houston pitching staff.

The Astros’ pitching has been strong this spring, boasting a team ERA of 3.33, which ranks second in Major League Baseball. This solid performance is critical as the team prepares for the regular season.

Adding to the excitement, Astros bench coach Omar Lopez has rejoined the team after leading Team Venezuela to its first World Baseball Classic championship. His experience and insight will be invaluable as the Astros head into the final stretch of spring training.

Fans can catch the game via the HOU video livestream at astros.com or tune in on KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2 for radio coverage.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.

More in Baseball