Houston Astros Open Up Roof In August For First Time In 10 Years

A bit of history was made at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.

The Houston Astros opened up the roof at the ballpark for game time in August for the first time since 2004. The temperature was in the low- to mid-80s, which is cooler than normal for Houston.

It’s no coincidence that Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey just happened to be on the mound for the opposition.

Dickey was criticized by many over the past two seasons for only pitching well in domed and controlled-environment stadiums. Last year, Dickey’s ERA was 5.73 with the Rogers Centre roof open. He silenced some of the critics earlier this year when he pitched 8 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the potent Oakland Athletics under an open roof.

“Let me preface, don’t anybody ask me questions about the roof being opened or closed,” Dickey said after the start against Oakland, via HardballTalk.

Dickey might be back under the microscope, though, after giving up five earned runs on nine hits through seven innings, including a solo home run to Chris Carter, in an 8-2 Blue Jays loss.

Photo via USA Today Sports Images