Most Houston Astros fans gave up in July. Remember that month? It was long, very, very long…and included only 3 wins in 27 games. That month seems to be so long ago now that September is big hits and big wins month.

So far in September, the Astros are playing .500 ball.

They’re still sitting with 106 losses, tied with last year’s final total, but the last two games are against the Cubs, so anything really is possible. And since the Astros have pulled off back to back shut out wins….on the road? Now we know miracles can happen.

Speaking of this final series against the Cubs, tomorrow night will mark the first time since 1962 that two teams with 100 losses or more will meet to play a game of baseball. The last time it happened, the Cubs were involved as well – versus the Mets.

So tonight Lucas Harrell took his record to 11-11 for his rookie season. Not a shabby showing for a guy who got next to no run support early on, but managed to continue to be impressive from the mound. Wesley Wright earned his first save of the season, and Fernando Martinez stunned with this 3rd home run in as many games. These are NOT your July Astros.

These Astros are making the final days of National League baseball really fun to watch. Tune in tomorrow night and Wednesday afternoon and let’s see what they do to wrap it all up.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

The Houston Astros have now played two games in the 2012 Grapefruit League and find themselves 2-0. Yep, they’re winning.

Now, I know it’s just two games and I know you can’t make gross generalizations from two games, but it’s really hard not to get flippin’ excited when they’re winning. These are not your 2011 Astros.

Fernando Martinez had a stellar Astros debut today that included a bomb of a 3 run homer to left center against a strong wind.

I have no illusions (or delusions) that this team will do anything remarkably heroic this season. I’m not dreaming of being contenders. What am I dreaming of? A season of more than 62 wins.

63 wins means not hitting that 100 loss point. 63 wins is the World Series for the Houston Astros in 2012.

I’m a little afraid to say it already, but the pitching so far? Infinitely better than expected. And today’s bats in the 10-2 win over the Nationals? A-ma-zing. I was sitting at Minute Maid Park watching Texas lose to Arkansas in the College Classic, but boy do I wish I had been at Space Coast Stadium today to watch the Astros own that game.

If this is the sort of baseball fans can expect to see this season then hold on kids, we’re in for one hell of a ride.

PS. At the end of this week I’ll be heading East in search of Oceola Stadium in Kissimmee to watch the boys in action. Stay tuned, this is gonna be fun!

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.