The Houston Astros are back at Daikin Park tonight, desperate to turn the page. After a brutal road trip that saw them swept by these same Colorado Rockies last week, the 'Stros return home riding an eight-game losing streak—their longest skid in over a decade. With a 6-11 record, they'll open a three-game set against the 6-10 Rockies, looking to rediscover the winning formula that has eluded them.
All eyes will be on the mound, where left-hander Colton Gordon gets the call for his first start of the 2026 season. The Astros' 2021 draft pick is stepping up after a strong showing in Triple-A Sugar Land, where he posted a stellar 1.76 ERA. He'll be opposed by Rockies veteran righty Michael Lorenzen in a pivotal matchup for both clubs.
Gordon is no stranger to the big stage, having made 20 appearances for Houston last season amidst a wave of injuries. He even represented Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Tonight, his mission is clear: stop the bleeding and give the Astros a chance to build momentum at the start of a crucial six-game homestand.
The Astros' offense will look to first baseman Christian Walker to provide a spark. Walker has historically feasted on Rockies pitching, boasting a .330 career average and 28 home runs against them. He was hot in Denver last week, and the home crowd will be hoping he can carry that momentum into tonight's contest.
Before the first pitch, the Astros family will take a moment to honor a legend, adding a layer of poignancy to the evening's proceedings. For the fans in the stands and watching from home, the hope is that a return to familiar confines—where Houston is 5-2 this year—will be the catalyst to snap this frustrating slide and get the season back on track.
