Jalen Kitna NCAAFB Player - SportsFeedHQ - Live Updates, Expert Opinions, and Game Recaps for NBA, NFL, NHL & College Sports

As the Houston Astros gear up to face the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Astros, who have shown a remarkable performance in their recent game on April 2nd against the Toronto Blue Jays, are expected to bring that same energy and skill into this upcoming match.

<img src="/imgproxy/BMvlmGuWeNRwGXFud5rkkVPLcoOYjSJcVqcw82t6W1c/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzk3ZWMyMDRkNDc1NTMxOGUwNjVkM2FkNWU0OWQxYTgwLmpwZw==?image_id=96ca96a2-4bb6-4e0c-b5a4-c34ca58eca26" alt="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray (40) throws a pitch in the rain during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray (40) throws a pitch in the rain during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" /> The Astros' bats were on fire during their last encounter with the Blue Jays, racking up an impressive 12 hits and 10 runs without committing a single error. Their hitting statistics were off the charts: a batting average of .343, an on-base percentage of .395, and a slugging percentage of .829. With five home runs contributing to their total base count of 29, it's clear that when the Astros step up to bat, they mean business.

Pitching is another area where HOU has excelled. Ronel Blanco's shutout performance was nothing short of masterful – maintaining an ERA of 0.00 across nine innings pitched is no small feat. The pitching staff held TOR to zero runs on zero hits – a testament to their dominance on the mound.

<img src="/imgproxy/v1qW0tlDOXn4Z42wd4soySVlrMjE_5xIUhG-Uvgaago/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2MzODZmNzdlMmI0ODQ4ODY3MTBhNDA0ZmIxZThiZDIyLmpwZw==?image_id=c02b1318-ee7b-4909-bce7-17dc028e3bcb" alt="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) slides safely into second as Washington Nationals short stop C.J. Abrams waits on the ball during the first inning at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) slides safely into second as Washington Nationals short stop C.J. Abrams waits on the ball during the first inning at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" /> However, it would be unwise to underestimate WSH based solely on HOU’s previous success. In baseball, each game is its own battle; past victories guarantee nothing about future outcomes. The Nationals will be looking for any opportunity to capitalize on their home-field advantage and upset HOU’s rhythm.

The key for HOU will be maintaining their offensive momentum while continuing their defensive prowess demonstrated in recent games against formidable opponents like NYY. Despite suffering losses in two out of three games against New York Yankees recently (March 31st and March 30th), there were positive takeaways from those matchups as well - particularly from March 31st where they amassed twelve hits.

<img src="/imgproxy/uJUtjOo8tfjN518SMcPQuSmb5xcCM_uU7I2vvo5A2KA/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2ZlODYyOGI3MWY1NzNlZWUyOTM4YWFkMmJhZWYxNzc0LmpwZw==?image_id=abd4832b-71d9-4ea6-9530-e5ba8fc6c77f" alt="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Christian Javier throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 18, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Christian Javier throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports" /> Astros fans should look forward with cautious optimism as they approach this next challenge in Washington D.C., keeping faith in both hitters who've been connecting solidly with pitches and pitchers who've been consistently shutting down opposing batters.

Mark your calendars for April 21st at 1:35 PM ET when these two teams clash at Nationals Park; you can catch all the action live if you're not among those cheering from the stands by tuning into your local sports network broadcast or streaming online where available.

Jalen Kitna

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