5 reasons the Houston Astros will win the World Series in 2015

5 reasons the Houston Astros will win it all in 2015

Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate a walk off victory over the Boston Red Sox after second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Will Harris (36) pitches during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Astros’ bullpen is surprisingly dominant

Whenever the Houston Astros’ incredible turnaround in 2015 is discussed, the conversation usually revolves around an explosive offense, Dallas Keuchel’s emergence as an ace and Carlos Correa living up to the billing of a No. 1 overall draft pick.

While it may not be celebrated at the forefront of Houston’s success, an equally important part of that equation is a dominant performance by the team’s bullpen.

Through 111 games, opposing batters are hitting just .204 against Houston’s bullpen, the best in the MLB. In addition, they rank among the top-5 bullpens in baseball in ERA and strike-to-walk ratio.

One cause for concern is the Astros’ 17 blown saves on the season. However, they have multiple proven relievers on staff and are not necessarily committed Luke Gregerson at closer. This gives them the option to go with the hot hand to close games when the postseason arrives should Gregerson continues to struggle.

Where the Astros struggle shutting the door in the ninth inning, they make up for in overall talent of the bullpen. Will Harris, Josh Fields, Tony Sipp and Pat Neshek are all posting sub-3.00 ERAs, and the recently acquired Oliver Perez has been unblemished (save one hit) during his first three appearances with the team.

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