Marisnick's work coming to fruition at plate

Jake Marisnick connects for a deep solo home run to left field to double the Astros' lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the 5th inningHOUSTON -- Jake Marisnick has played in all but two of the Astros games this season, though much of his action has been as a defensive replacement. One of the premier defensive outfielders in baseball, Marisnick worked hard in the offseason and spring to have the bat to match.

Marisnick's second home run of the season -- a solo blast in the fifth inning off Matt Shoemaker -- was the difference in the Astros' 2-1 win over the Angels on Thursday afternoon at Minute Maid Park, and Marisnick hopes it's the start of something bigger. He is hitting .313 with a .450…