Astros' broadcaster mesmorized by sideline reporter's blue eyes

ROOT sideline reporter Julia Morales is a former University of Texas cheerleader before starting her career in broadcasting. (Julia Morales.com) ROOT sideline reporter Julia Morales is a former University of Texas cheerleader before starting her career in broadcasting. (Julia Morales.com) Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Astros' broadcaster mesmorized by sideline reporter's blue eyes 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

With the development of the ROOT Network, it's much tougher for the majority of San Antonio-area fans to watch the Houston Astros on a nightly basis.

For those few who were watching late Monday night, Astros' television announcer Alan Ashby provided what might have had one of the weirdest moments comments coming out of a broadcast booth in a long time.

During eighth-inning action, ROOT announcer Julia Morales was making her in-game report. When she finished, Ashby had one of the strangest comments to a sideline reporter since Joe Namath was propositioning Suzy Kolber along the NFL sidelines way back when.

"Hey, did you guys notice how blue Julia's eyes were?" Ashby said. "C'mon, Julia, flash them again."

After Ashby returned to his game broadcast, game producers switched to Morales on the sidelines for her reaction.

Her comments to Ashby were probably shared by most in the audience.

"Why are you sucking up to me?" she said.

This. This is really, really weird... pic.twitter.com/o94HxHNsem — Rich Mayor (@CityHall03) July 19, 2016

Morales probably has heard more convincing pick-up lines over the years. Texas fans will remember her as a Longhorns cheerleader in the 2005 season before starting her TV career at outposts like Sherman, Tyler and Austin. She is married to former Mets' first baseman Matt Clark, who is away playing in Japan.

But still, Ashby's comments were rather provocative considering the typically banter forthcoming in a baseball broadcast.

Tgriffin@express-news.net

Twitter: @TimGriffinBig12