In a short interleague series that was dominated by the pitching staffs, the Houston Astros earned a mini series sweep using the home run ball. A night after topping the San Francisco Giants on a ninth-inning home run, the defending World Series Champions did it again with an eighth-inning blast on Tuesday. This time it was Tyler White who had the game-winning two-run home run in the eighth to lift the Astros to a 2-1 win at AT&T Park.
Marwin Gonzalez was the hero on Monday with a three-shot when his team was down to their final out. He played a role in Tuesday's rally as well, doubling to begin the inning, and then scoring on White's long ball. The Astros have now hit 13 home runs in their past eight games, despite playing without Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa. They have now won six of seven, while sending the Giants to their fourth loss in five games.
Houston starter Dallas Keuchel pitched well on the mound, giving up just one run on three hits over six innings while striking out five. He was opposed by Madison Bumgarner, who threw seven shutout innings and struck out seven. He continued his success against the Astros in his career, as the left-hander is 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA in six career starts against them. He earned the no-decision on Tuesday, as Ray Black suffered the loss after giving up White's homer.
Joe Smith came in for Houston to strike out both batters he faced in the seventh for his fourth win. Hector Rondon woudl then throw a scoreless ninth inning for his 13th save in 16 tries.
The Astros will return home to start what promises to be an entertaining four-game series with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Houston's AL West lead is now five games over the Oakland Athletics and seven over the Mariners. The Giants drop one game under .500 with the loss, as they get ready to host the Pittsburgh Pirates for four games this weekend.
Marwin Gonzalez was the hero on Monday with a three-shot when his team was down to their final out. He played a role in Tuesday's rally as well, doubling to begin the inning, and then scoring on White's long ball. The Astros have now hit 13 home runs in their past eight games, despite playing without Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa. They have now won six of seven, while sending the Giants to their fourth loss in five games.
Houston starter Dallas Keuchel pitched well on the mound, giving up just one run on three hits over six innings while striking out five. He was opposed by Madison Bumgarner, who threw seven shutout innings and struck out seven. He continued his success against the Astros in his career, as the left-hander is 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA in six career starts against them. He earned the no-decision on Tuesday, as Ray Black suffered the loss after giving up White's homer.
Joe Smith came in for Houston to strike out both batters he faced in the seventh for his fourth win. Hector Rondon woudl then throw a scoreless ninth inning for his 13th save in 16 tries.
The Astros will return home to start what promises to be an entertaining four-game series with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Houston's AL West lead is now five games over the Oakland Athletics and seven over the Mariners. The Giants drop one game under .500 with the loss, as they get ready to host the Pittsburgh Pirates for four games this weekend.
