Offensive Onslaught powers Astros to sweep of Rockies

Despite everything that has plagued the Houston Astros this season -- injuries, new rules, and controversy -- they're rolling right now.

A 10-8 statement victory over the Colorado Rockies helped to cap off a series that featured everything the Astros had envisioned working to their favor in the young season, which has brought about plenty of ups and downs so far through less than a month. Pitching, hitting, clutch performances; these past four games have had it all for Houston.

Cristian Javier was not at his sharpest. The rookie right-hander, coming off a solid start against Seattle in which he gave up only one hit, struggled mightily at Coors Field. Runners would reach in every inning he pitched, and the Rockies would manage to knock him out of the game in the fourth inning. He allowed three runs, which about a week ago, would have meant game over for Houston.

Things are different for the Astros now, who have found their offense surging in the past week. After scoring 13 runs yesterday, they would score a quick five runs in the second inning of today's game, kickstarted by yet another Kyle Tucker triple, and capped off by a José Altuve two-RBI double.

Houston would put together another five-run inning in the fifth inning, highlighted by an Abraham Toro three-run shot. That would make the score 10-3, and while the Rockies would scratch home four more runs over the remainder of the game, it simply wasn't enough to catch up.

Josh Reddick ended the afternoon with a stellar catch to secure Houston's eighth straight win, dating back to last week.

This series proved how potent the Astros are, even with a good chunk of their hitting and pitching core missing. That the team was able to sweep a team that was 13-8 coming into the series and among the best in the National League sent a message -- the Astros aren't going away.

With the win, the Astros' win streak has grown to eight, and they are 9-1 in their last ten games. Their record has improved to 15-10, and they've established a firm hold over second place in the division, sitting only 2.5 games back of Oakland for first.

They face a stout test in their next series, however-- they travel to San Diego to face a red-hot Padres team that are riding a four-game winning streak that featured them hitting four consecutive grand slams in their recent series sweep with the Texas Rangers. Lance McCullers Jr. will duel Garrett Richards in a clash of streaking teams looking to make a push to first in their respective divisions.