Houston pitchers had a major league-record 61 strikeouts in the four-game series – three more than the previous mark set by Cincinnati pitchers against San Diego in 2008.
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“But our pitching has been so good too when we do get a couple runs we’ve been able to put it away because we’ve had a tough, tough time down here”.
Devon Travis doubled leading off the first inning for the first of his three hits and scored on Josh Donaldson’s groundout – the first run in the series that did not score on a solo home run. The Astros clustered their two extra-base hits in the fifth inning, as Tyler White drove home Evan Gattis with a double three batters after Gattis doubled to open the inning.
Bautista’s line-drive shot over the left field fence broke a scoreless tie, accounting for one of the two runs Toronto managed against Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers, who was removed after just 4.2 innings due to what was later diagnosed as a mild elbow sprain, per Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. The second blast represented Donaldson’s 27th of the season and his 76th RBI.
“I just try to follow Russ as much as possible”, said Estrada. “I’m glad my changeup was working pretty well and even some decent cutters”. The left-hander has not lost since June 6 and has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his past five starts. “That’s what he does”.
Happ struck out six and walked none, and Joaquin Benoit, Jason Grilli and Roberto Osuna completed the five-hitter.
“He had a rough last game, so I think he came out with the a little bit of an edge, maybe a chip on his shoulder”, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “Human element of the game sometimes you know hurts you and in that regard it was a borderline pitch that didn’t go our way”. Astros INF Marwin Gonzalez remains hampered by a right hand/wrist injury that bothers him when he swings right-handed.
OUR PICK: Despite their current struggles, the Astros are a ideal 5-0 in Fiers’ last five home starts, are 6-1 in his last seven starts coming off four days of rest, and are 6-2 in his last eight starts overall. Each and every one of them has been a solo home run. “They could have easily been doubles or singles if it’s an inch higher or an inch lower”. Tonight he liked my change-up and we just rode it. They’ve got a really good lineup over there, a lot of young stars.
We’ve gone from “going to happen” to “Nothing’s locked in stone yet” and “I have no info for you right at this moment” out of the mouth of manager John Gibbons.
Astros: RHP Luke Gregerson was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 28 with a left oblique strain.
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Astros: Houston will recall RHP James Hoyt from Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday, and RHP Doug Fister will go on the three-day paternity list.
