RHP Lance McCullers vs RHP Charlie Morton. It’s World Series or bust as the Astros and Rays collide in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the 5th Game-7 in Astros History; winning both Game 7’s of the 2017 ALCS and WS but falling short in the 2004 NLCS (St. Louis Cardinals) and 2019 WS (Washington Nationals). “Let’s go it. I mean, you’re down 0-3 to Game 7. Shock the world,” 3B Alex Bregman before Saturday’s 1st pitch at Petco Park in San Dieg...
Oct 17, 2020•41 min•Ep. 986
Do you believe in magic? The Astros do as they force a Game 6 in the American League Championship Series. Friday night’s feature is a pitching matchup rerun between LHP Framber Valdez and the Rays LHP Blake Snell. Manger Dusty Baker talks to Robert Ford about his pitching staff and breaks down the matchup with Steve Sparks. Carlos Correa’s walk off homerun on Thursday is still on everyone’s mind and after the game he spoke to reporters along with Ryan Pressly, Michael Brantley. Just before 1st p...
Oct 16, 2020•53 min•Ep. 985
Thursday is Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. The Boston Red Sox are the only team to come back from a 0-3 deficit against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS; only 8 of the previous 38 ALCS’ were extended to a Game-5 and no team has taken the series to a 6-Game since ’04. With that, Manager Dusty Baker will ask rookie RHP Luis Garcia to make his first career postseason appearance. Rays Manager Kevin Cash will counter by starting relief RHP John Curtiss. Robert Ford and Steve ...
Oct 15, 2020•50 min•Ep. 984
Down 3 games to none the Astros face elimination from the 2020 playoff’s on Wednesday night in the bubble at Petco Park. Manager Dusty Baker knows what’s at stake and talks about his game plan just before 1st pitch. Baker will rely on Veteran RHP Zack Greinke who will oppose Tampa’s offense and RHP Tyler Glasnow. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks break down the matchup and discuss the keys to the game. We hear from the Rays Kevin Kiermaier, Joey Wendle and Kevin Cash about their mindset coming into t...
Oct 14, 2020•36 min•Ep. 983
“Oh no it’s not business as usual, (Tuesday) is a much win for us,” Carlos Correa told reporters after Monday’s loss. The Tampa Bay Rays have backed the Astros into a corner as they lead the ALCS 2-0. Manager Dusty Baker will lean on RHP Jose Urquidy in Game 3 on Tuesday night at Petco Park. Ray’s Manager Kevin Cash will ask LHP Ryan Yarbrough to face the Astros potent lineup. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks break down the matchup and both managers will discuss their expectations of Game 3. Finally...
Oct 14, 2020•34 min•Ep. 982
Today we pause and mourn the passing of the great Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan, one of the first stars of the Houston Colt .45s and Astros. Listen back to Robert Ford and Morgan’s interview from June of 2019 when the Astros visited the Cincinnati Reds. Longtime Astros broadcaster, Bill Brown, also shares his memories of Morgan’s career. Monday’s Game 2 of the ALCS features RHP Lance McCullers vs former Astro and current Rays RHP Charlie Morton. Steve Sparks and Robert Ford discuss Mond...
Oct 12, 2020•42 min•Ep. 981
Welcome to Game 1 of the American League Championship Series as the Houston Astros travel to San Diego, CA, to face the AL East Champs the Tampa Bay Rays. Starting for Astros in Game 1 is LHP Framber Valdez who will oppose the Rays LHP Blake Snell. Astros Radio will preview the matchup before General Manager James Click zooms with Steve Sparks and Robert Ford. Later, Manager Dusty Baker, Game 2 starter Lance McCullers Jr., Carlos Correa, and Enoli Paredes talk about the ALCS just before first pi...
Oct 12, 2020•55 min•Ep. 980
The Houston Astros are headed to San Diego and back to the American League Championship Series for a 4th straight season. For now, Houston will wait for their next opponent and play the winner of Friday night’s Game 5 matchup between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Petco Field. Listen back as we Relaunch a few highlights from Thursday’s ALDS victory over the Oakland A’s at Dodgers Stadium. Later, Manager Dusty Baker, Carlos Correa, Christian Javier, Zack Greinke, Kyle Tucker, and Mich...
Oct 09, 2020•32 min•Ep. 979
World Series Champion, 2017 AL MVP, and 6x All-Star Jose Altuve told reporters just before Game 4 on Thursday, “(Our) mission is winning. We have been here before and we have the same mission.” RHP Zack Greinke will take the ball for veteran manager Dusty Baker and will oppose the A’s RHP Frankie Montas. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the pivotal matchup before Baker talks about the importance of Greinke’s start. Longtime Oakland broadcaster and 2x World Series Champion catcher for the A’s...
Oct 08, 2020•40 min•Ep. 978
With a win today the Astros will advance to their 4th straight ALCS. Wednesday's Game 3 from Dodgers Stadium features Astros RHP Jose Urquidy and Oaklands LHP Jesus Luzardo. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks break down the matchup and later Manager Dusty Baker talks things over with Ford via zoom. Lance McCullers tells Sparky about his perspective and what defense can do for a pitcher and momentum. Ryann Pressly and Aledmys Diaz share their thoughts before going into Game 3. Finally, George Springer,...
Oct 07, 2020•55 min•Ep. 977
Game 2 of the ALDS features a matchup between a pair of southpaws as LHP Framber Valdez faces the A’s explosive lineup and LHP Sean Manaea. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks discuss the keys to Tuesday’s game. Ford catches up with Manager Dusty Baker via zoom for a recap of Game 1 and to preview Valdez’s Game 2 start. 3B Alex Bregman connects with Sparky from Dodgers Stadium to talk about playing in October. Finally, Lance McCullers, Enoli Paredes, George Springer, and Carlos Correa recap their perfo...
Oct 06, 2020•46 min•Ep. 976
Welcome to October baseball! Game 1 of the American League Division Series is Monday at Dodgers Stadium. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the matchup between RHP Lance McCullers and the Oakland A’s starter RHP Chris Bassitt. Manager Dusty Baker, LHP Framber Valdez, OF Kyle Tucker, and A’s longtime broadcaster Vince Cotroneo join Astros Radio just before 1st Pitch. Synch-up your smart speakers to Astros Radio and your TV for the exclusive home-town call! Ford and Sparks will bring you the act...
Oct 05, 2020•38 min•Ep. 975
The Astros could advance to the American League Division Series with a victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. RHP Jose Urquidy gets the start and will face opposing RHP Jose Berrios. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks recap Tuesday’s win and strong performance from LHP Framber Valdez. Manager Dusty Baker and Ford sit down to discuss Wednesday’s keys and later Sparks highlights Valdez and OF Michael Brantley’s contributions. Just before 1st pitch, OF’s George Springer and Chas McCormick spoke t...
Sep 30, 2020•31 min•Ep. 974
Welcome to MLB’s 2020 Post Season as the Houston Astros play in Game 1 of the Wild Card in Minneapolis, MN. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview Tuesday’s matchup and we later talk to Manager Dusty Baker. The Twins broadcaster, Cory Provus, gives Steve Sparks a scouting report on his ballclub before we hear from GM James Click, IF Yuli Gurriel, and OF Kyle Tucker before 1st Pitch at Target Field. Ford and Sparks will broadcast all of the Astros postseason games, be sure to synch-up your smart sp...
Sep 29, 2020•35 min•Ep. 973
See you laterrrrr, regular season! The Astros wrap up the final game of the 2020 season on Sunday and will begin postseason play on Tuesday. Although their opponent and location are still to be determined, Astros GM James Click talks it all through with Robert Ford and Steve Sparks. Manager Dusty Baker, RHP Lance McCullers, and OF Josh Reddick express their thoughts and feelings on the season just before 1st pitch in Arlington. Ford and Sparks will broadcast all of the Astros postseason games, b...
Sep 27, 2020•36 min•Ep. 972
The Astros will play in October after clinching a spot in the postseason late last night, thanks to a Dodgers win over the Angels. This year marks the Astros fourth straight year to qualify for the postseason and gives them playoff appearances in five of the last six years, and first time in club history for the Astros to make the postseason in four straight seasons. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview Saturday’s matchup between RHP Lance McCullers and the Rangers RHP Kyle Gibson. Later, Assist...
Sep 26, 2020•31 min•Ep. 971
It all comes down to One. The Astros are 1-victory away from clinching a 2020 playoff berth and Astros Radio breaks down Friday nights matchup in Arlington. Manager Dusty Baker will send RHP Jose Urquidy to the mound to oppose the Rangers RHP Kyle Cody. Robert Ford and the Skipper discuss Thursday’s win and the importance of Urquidy’s appearance on Friday. Steve Sparks invites an old friend and special guest to Astrocast, Tim Blake Nelson. Sparky and Nelson are Tulsa, OK, natives, old pals who g...
Sep 25, 2020•27 min•Ep. 970
It’s the final countdown as the Astros wrap up the 2020 60-game schedule in their 1st visit to Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. Thursday’s Game-1 matchup features rookie RHP Cristian Javier and Rangers RHP Lance Lynn. Steve Sparks and Robert Ford discuss the matchup and the significance of this 4-game series. Manager Dusty Baker sits down for a zoom call with Ford for a game preview. Sparky chats things up with broadcaster Matt Hicks, who provides a scouting report on his ball club. All Star...
Sep 24, 2020•31 min•Ep. 969
Will the Astros clinch a 2020 Post Season bid Wednesday night? Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the potential clincher and discuss the kyes to game as RHP Zach Greinke takes the ball for Manager Dusty Baker. Later on, Baker and Ford talk about what playing baseball in October would mean to Baker and his staff. Hitting Coach Troy Snitker and Bullpen Coach Josh Miller provide updates on the team as they wrap up the regular season. Finally, Sparky invites Dr. Priya Ramshesh with Houston Methodi...
Sep 23, 2020•58 min•Ep. 968
It’s a rainy night in Houston but the Astros are in Seattle to play the 2nd of 3-game set against the Mariners. It’s a pivotal matchup as both teams battle for a playoff position and LHP Framber Valdez will face off against the M’s RHP Ljay Newsome. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks break down the matchup and Manager Dusty Baker talks about the importance of Tuesdays game. Catcher Dustin Garneau zooms with Sparky to chat about the team’s lack of offense and the nuances of catching. Finally, Lance McC...
Sep 23, 2020•30 min•Ep. 967
The Magic Number is 3 as the Astros travel to Seattle to begin a 3-game series against the Mariners. RHP Lance McCullers will oppose LHP Marco Gonzales. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks discuss the matchup before Manager Dusty Baker breaks down the series. MLB’s Brian McTaggart talks about the keys to the Astros post season potential and George Springer, Yuli Gurriel and Ryan Pressly share their thoughts prior to Monday’s first pitch from the Pacific Northwest. Get the latest news from the Astros of...
Sep 22, 2020•31 min•Ep. 966
It’s the final day of Astros baseball at Minute Maid Park on Sunday. General Manager James Click sits down with Robert Ford and Steve Sparks. The trio discuss life without ace RHP Justin Verlander through 2021, the starting rotation, the bullpen, injuries, affects of a short “spring training”, the Astros Alternate site in Corpus Christi, and what the scouting world brings to baseball. Manager Dusty Baker, Pitching Coach Brent Strom, and x5 Silver Slugger Jose Altuve share their thoughts before S...
Sep 20, 2020•46 min•Ep. 965
Saturday’s matchup between the Astros and Diamondbacks features rookie RHP Cristian Javier and Arizona’s RHP Luke Weaver. GM James Click delivers the unfortunate news of losing veteran RHP Justin Verlander for the season. Manager Dusty Baker, Carlos Correa and Jose Urquidy express their feelings before first pitch at Minute Maid Park. Omar Lopez is in his 22nd season with the Houston Astros and in his 1st as the teams 1B Coach. Lopez and Steve Sparks catch up before the game and Robert Ford invi...
Sep 19, 2020•50 min•Ep. 964
It’s the final series in 2020 at Minute Maid Park as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Astros for an Interleague matchup. RHP Zack Greinke will face his old team and RHP Zac Gallen. Astros Radio previews the 3-game series before Robert Ford and Manager Dusty Baker discuss the matchup. Astros Closer Ryan Pressly breaks down the bullpen situation with Steve Sparks via zoom. Finally, OF’s Micheal Brantley, Kyle Tucker, then Pitchers Framber Valdez, Brooks Raley, and Blake Taylor talk about post se...
Sep 18, 2020•34 min•Ep. 963
The Astros host the Rangers Thursday night at Minute Maid Park. LHP Framber Valdez faces RHP Jordan Lyles and Astros Radio previews the rubber game. Robert Ford and Manager Dusty Baker recap Lance McCullers, Jr. outing on Wednesday. Steve Sparks zooms with the entertaining Mayor of Whoooston Josh Reddick. McCullers, Jr., and RHP Josh James take questions from the media during the series at Minute Maid Park. Get the latest news from the Astros official Podcast all year long, presented by @Karbach...
Sep 17, 2020•26 min•Ep. 962
Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park features the return of RHP Lance McCullers who will take on Arlington’s Rangers and RHP Kyle Gibson. Manager Dusty Baker previews McCuller’s return after a short stint on the IL with Robert Ford. Steve Sparks and Geoff Blum talk balls and strikes and preview the matchup as the Astros push for the postseason. Get the latest news from the Astros official Podcast all year long, presented by @KarbachBrewing, Crafted for Serious Fun! Learn more about your ad choice...
Sep 16, 2020•27 min•Ep. 961
The Houston Astros will pour it all out the last 2-weeks of 2020 and on this Episode of Astroscast by Karbach Brewing, Manager Dusty Baker and x6 All Star and Gold Glover Jose Altuve discuss the importance of the final stretch. RHP Jose Urquidy will square off against the Rangers RHP Kyle Cody and Astros Radio will preview the matchup. Robert Ford and Baker zoom prior to game 1 of 3 against Arlington. Steve Sparks gets a scouting report from former teammate, now Rangers broadcaster, C.J. Nitkows...
Sep 15, 2020•25 min•Ep. 960
RHP Zack Greinke will face the Los Angeles Dodgers and the best record in Major League Baseball in Sunday’s series finale. The Dodgers will start RHP Brusdar Graterol and Astros Radio will preview the matchup and discuss the keys to the game. General Manager James Click sits down with Robert Ford and Steve Sparks to discuss the latest news surrounding the club. Manager Dusty Baker and SS Carlos Correa talk about the importance of Sunday’s game leading into the final 2-weeks of the 2020 season. T...
Sep 13, 2020•2 min•Ep. 959
A World Series reunion as the Astros visit Dodger’s Stadium for the 1st time since the 2018 season for a short 2-game series. LHP Framber Valdez take the hill for the Astros and will face the potent Dodgers lineup and LHP Julio Urias. Manager Dusty Baker and Bench Coach Joe Espada discuss the matchup before Saturday’s first pitch. Yuli Gurriel also takes questions from reporters moments ago. Finally, Dodgers Broadcaster Joe Davis zooms with Robert Ford for a scouting report and for the latest ne...
Sep 13, 2020•27 min•Ep. 958
Thursday marks the final matchup between the Astros and Division leading Oakland A’s in MLB’s short 60-game season Manager Dusty Baker looks to RHP Jose Urquidy to right the ship and to face the Athletics LHP Sean Manaea. Manager Dusty Baker recaps Wednesday's devastating loss and previews the matchup with Robert Ford. Later on, rookie RHP Luis Garcia talks about his 1st MLB start on Wednesday and RHP Josh James and OF Kyle Tucker talk about Wednesday’s 7th inning miscues. Mickey Storey is the A...
Sep 10, 2020•28 min•Ep. 957
