11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles set to throw ceremonial first pitch at Astros vs Royals game
American Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Minute Maid Park on Friday before the Houston Astros take on the Kansas City Royals. Several other athletes will also be present as the Astros honor their achievements in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Biles has won 11 Olympic medals in her career so far. Four of those came in the 2024 edition of the Games. Biles spent part of her childhood in the north Houston suburb of Spring, where her gymnastics academy is located.
"Simone Biles is taking the mound tomorrow at Minute Maid Park as she throws out the Ceremonial First Pitch," the Astros tweeted. "Several other Olympians will also be in attendance as we honor their achievements from this year's Paris Olympics. Stick around post-game for a special Olympic themed firework show. $7 tickets available!"
Biles previously threw the first pitch ahead of Game 2 of the 2019 World Series between the Astros and Nationals. Much to the delight of the crowd, she performed a back flip and a twist before throwing the ball toward Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick.
Astros rout the Phillies as Yordan Alvarez has 3-homer night
The Houston Astros got one back over the Philadelphia Phillies, winning 10-0 at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday following two successive losses. The visitors took control early on, opening the scoring in the first inning, as the hosts failed to get on the scoreboard.
Starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti has now registered two excellent performances against quality opponents, striking out 11 and conceding no runs to the Phillies after holding the Orioles scoreless in his previous start.
In a game where many visiting hitters had solid outings, No. 3 batter Yordan Alvarez overshadowed them all, hitting three home runs. After missing a few games due to a neck injury, Alvarez showed he is back up to speed. In the 2024 season, Yordan is batting at a .311 average, with 28 homers and 71 RBIs.
The Astros open their next series with the Kansas City Royals at home on Thursday. Having lost the last series on the road, Houston will be looking to swiftly bounce back at Minute Maid Park, where they have been solid this season.
With a sizeable advantage over the Seattle Mariners in their division, fans will be hoping their side can stay consistent till the end of the season and punch their tickets to the playoffs.