Berrios (1-0) allowed two runs on three hits and five walks with eight strikeouts over 5.1 innings to earn his first major league victory Monday against Houston.
Berrios was playing with fire all night between the five walks and two home runs, solo shots from Preston Tucker and George Springer. But the rookie also showed how nasty he can be, as he induced 11 swinging strikes and was able to get himself out of the jams he created. His fastball, which topped out at 95.9 mph and had a 93.8 mph average velocity, drew seven swinging strikes. If hitters have that much trouble squaring up his heater with regularity, Berrios will live up to the big-time hype that has surrounded his call-up to Minnesota.