Astros unable to rebound from Gerrit Cole's horrible start
Astros daily report presented by APG&E: Rangers 9, Astros 4
After taking the series opener on Friday night, the Astros looked to take game two from the Rangers on Saturday night to lock up another series win. Here's a quick rundown of the game:
Final Score: Rangers 9, Astros 4
Record: 13-7, second in the AL West.
Winning pitcher: Shawn Kelley (3-0).
Losing pitcher: Gerrit Cole (1-3).
Stars of the game: In an otherwise disappointing game, Max Stassi and George Springer were able to provide some highlights, both hitting two-run home runs to try and keep Houston in the game.
Notes: The Rangers got on the board first on Saturday night, getting a huge inning off of Gerrit Cole who had a horrible start to his night, allowing five runs, one of which was unearned, on four hits and two walks which paired with some sloppy defense handed Texas a quick 5-0 lead. They wouldn't let up on Cole there, extending the lead to 6-0 on a solo home run in the bottom of the third. Houston finally broke through with a good inning of their own, getting a two-run home run from Max Stassi in the top of the fifth to trim the lead to 6-2. The Rangers extended it right back, though, getting another run off of Cole in the bottom of the fifth, making it 7-2 before Houston would finally dip into their bullpen, bringing in Chris Devenski. Devenski would also fall victim to the Rangers, allowing a two-RBI triple to make it 9-2 and bring Cole's earned run total to eight on the night, making it the worst start of his major league career. George Springer got Houston back within five runs with a two-run home run to straight center in the top of the seventh, making it 9-4. That's as close as the Astros would get, though, as that score would go final to even the series at one game apiece.
Up Next: Houston will wrap up this series against the Rangers tomorrow afternoon with first pitch of the rubber-match game at 2:05 PM. Collin McHugh (3-1, 1.96 ERA) will start for the Astros and will go up against Shelby Miller (0-1, 9.00 ERA) for the Rangers.
The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.