Bregman Was Bright Spot In Difficult Walk-Off Loss For Astros

Alex Bregman had an encouraging game Tuesday evening despite the Astros disappointing loss to the Pirates.

Lost in the disappointment of a 7-4 walk-off loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates was the performance of Alex Bregman.

Bregman, the veteran third baseman for the Houston Astros, entered Tuesday’s game hitting .163. But Bregman has been too good for too long to believe the struggles would last.

Bregman crushed his first home run of the season, a solo shot off Mitch Keller in the first inning. He added a double in a 2-for-5 night.

On Monday, Bregman walked three times and added a single in an 8-2 Astros win. His patience at the plate proved that he was seeing the ball well.

Bregman isn’t a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion by accident. He’s that great. The offense will come for sure.

“I think today was the best timing I’ve had, the best consistency of at-ats I’ve had all year,” Bregman told reporters. “I was kind of late and quick, and not slow and early (with my swing). I was kind of making my swing have a little too much effort in it rather than be effortless. I felt good the last two days working on it pregame, and it translated tonight.”

Bregman began the season with 141 home runs. More than that, he’s a tremendous contact hitter to all fields. The season is way too early to worry.

“Bregman was good,” manager Dusty Baker said. “The last couple days, he’s seen a lot of pitches. I’m not worried about Bregman. He works at it, and he’ll get it.”

Bregman has spent extra time in the batting cage to refine his swing. The body of work over his career proves that he’ll be just fine.

“I started my career, and it wasn’t pretty,” Bregman told reporters. “I think it’s been a positive thing that’s happened in the past -- having some rough times so you know how to get out of it. You get out of it by maintaining that good feel for a long period of time. That’s the key. All in all, you just go back to your routine and preparation, and stick with it and know that it’s worked in the past.”

It will again. No question.

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