Martinez: Two hits, three RBIs
(c) Houston Astros
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Brett Wallace is putting on a surge to make the Astros roster. The former top prospect drilled a three-run homer in the third inning on Monday to cap a six-run third inning which propelled Houston to a 7-4 victory over the Marlins.
With two outs, J.D. Martinez spanked a two-run single off Anibal Sanchez before Chris Johnson added an RBI single. Then Wallace teed off on southpaw Wade LeBlanc to send one deep over the right field fence. Martinez also singled home a run in the first.
Martinez (.393), Johnson (.370) and Wallace (.321) are among the top hitters in camp this spring while Jason Castro (.364) and Jose Altuve (.304) are also hitting well. The team is scoring runs early off pitchers with big league experience, making you wonder if this offense might actually be coming together.
Kyle Weiland pitched okay over three innings but nothing like his past outing against the Yankees. He allowed two runs on four hits while walking three and striking out three. Weiland also got a single of his own. Lucas Harrell and Wesley Wright allowed the other two Miami runs.
Also of note, Sergio Escalona threw a scoreless inning with one hit and a strikeout. He has been shelved for most of the spring so the lefty will need to get some work in if he plans to break camp with the parent club.
Jordan Lyles, another starting pitcher candidate, will get the ball to start Tuesday's 12:05 Central tilt in Kissimmee against Lance Berkman and the St. Louis Cardinals.
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