The Houston Astros wrapped up their four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels with a 4-1 win on Sunday to put the Astros in a familiar position early in the season as they lead the American League West with a 3-1 record. They outscored the Angels 20-10 and hit a total of eight home runs against a revamped Los Angeles pitching staff.

Before the Astros begin a brief two-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, let’s go around the bases to recap their series against the Angels.

First Base:Pitchers Flex Their Muscles

Many questions were surrounding the direction the starting pitching staff would go with so many new factors coming into the 2022 season. The departure of longtime pitching coach Brent Strom (Arizona Diamondbacks) left many wondering how such a talented pitching staff would adapt early on.

Houston’s starting pitchers did a fantastic job answering those questions by only giving up six hits in 39 at-bats to reigning A.L. MVP Shohei Ohtani, former three-time A.L MVP Mike Trout, and former World Series Champion Mike Rendon. Framber Valdez, Jake Odorizzi, Justin Verlander, and Jose Urquidy allowed only four earned runs during their time on the mound.

Second Base: Brantley And Tucker Show Off Their Power From The Outfield

The Astros infielders have received many deserved accolades for their defense over the past five years, and I think that has made the outfielders a little jealous. Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker got a chance to show off their arms this series with their run-saving throws from the outfield.

In Brantley’s first start in left field in game two of the series, the Angels were leading the Astros 2-1 in the bottom of the second inning and were threatening to blow the game open. With Jared Walsh standing on second base, teammate Brandon Marsh hit a single to left field, and it looked as if Los Angeles would add on a third run in the inning. Walsh rounded third base around the same time Brantley approached the ball. The savvy veteran fired a rocket from the outfield to his catcher Martiń Maldonado to record the third out.

Right fielder Kyle Tucker found himself in a similar situation as his teammate in the final game of the series as the Angels had two base runners and Mike Trout at the plate with a one-run lead. Jose Urquidy got Trout to hit a fly ball to Tucker, and as soon as the ball touched his glove, Tyler Wade tagged up from third base but was met at home plate with a laser throw from Tucker and was tagged out to end the inning.

Third Base: Alex Bregman Dominates From The Plate

Just mention third base to most Astros fans, and the first words that will come out of their mouth will be “Alex Bregman.” After the series he had against Los Angeles, I am sure some non-Astros fans are saying the same thing. Bregman obliterated the Angels pitching staff in the three games he started batting .429, with a .857 slugging percentage. His six RBI and two home runs made him a tough at-bat for Los Angeles all series.

It is way too early to predict how the 2019 Silver Slugger Award winner will finish the season statistically. Especially with the history of injuries that have limited him from being in the lineup over the years. If Bregman continues this pace, he could potentially help his team get back to the World Series.

Home Plate: Peña Power

Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña exceeded all expectations in his first series in the Major League. After going 0-for-4 in his debut, the 24-year-old right-handed hitter ended the series with multiple three-game hits, including his first Major League hit and home run in the same game.

His teammates and coaching staff see him as a replacement for former shortstop Carlos Correa in position title only. They have and will continue to allow him to be himself as he gets familiar with playing day-to-day in the majors.

“He plays older than his age and older than his experience,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker after the game on Sunday. “This is how you like young players to play. He’s not in awe of anything. He’s wide-eyed but his eyes are open. He played well here.”

Once again, it is way too early to predict where this Astros team will end up by the end of the season, but I like the way it has started.