Astros drop first game to Indians

Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 3 hits from the 2-1 loss

Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 3 hits from the 2-1 loss
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

After winning the series against the Twins with a victory on Wednesday, the Astros turned the page to the Indians to start a four-game series on Thursday night. Here's a quick look along with three hits from the game:

Final Score: Indians 2, Astros 1

Record: 15-10, first in the AL West.

Winning pitcher: Trevor Bauer (3-1).

Losing pitcher: Gerrit Cole (1-4).

1) Decent rebound for Cole 

After his career-worst start against the Rangers this past weekend in which he allowed nine runs, Gerrit Cole did well to put that behind him against the Indians. Cole pitched seven innings during which he allowed two runs on three hits, two solo home runs, three walks, and struck out ten. Unfortunately, he'd only get one run of support behind him.

2) Bad call halts Houston's momentum 

In a big spot in the bottom of the sixth, Houston had two on base with one out and Carlos Correa at the plate. Correa fouled a ball off of his foot that ricocheted to third base, and with the Astros staying put due to the foul ball, the Indians played it out and were rewarded with a double play on what should've been a foul ball. To make matters worse, the play was not reviewable.

3) Bauer holds Astros to just a solo dinger by Springer

After falling behind 0-1 in the game, George Springer tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the third. That would be the only run they'd get off of Trevor Bauer, though, as he would go on to complete eight innings of one-run baseball on 118 pitches. Brad Hand would get the save to finish off the win for the Indians in the ninth.

Up Next: The series will continue on Friday night with first pitch at 7:10 PM. Houston will send Collin McHugh (3-2, 4.78 ERA) to the mound to go up against Corey Kluber (2-2, 5.88 ERA) for the Indians.

The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
Kyle Tucker returns to Houston this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

Two first-place teams, identical records, and a weekend set with serious measuring-stick energy.

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs open a three-game series Friday night at Daikin Park, in what could quietly be one of the more telling matchups of the summer. Both teams enter at 48-33, each atop their respective divisions — but trending in slightly different directions.

The Astros have been red-hot, going 7-3 over their last 10 while outscoring opponents by 11 runs. They've done it behind one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, with a collective 3.41 ERA that ranks second in the American League. Houston has also been dominant at home, where they’ve compiled a 30-13 record — a stat that looms large heading into this weekend.

On the other side, the Cubs have held their ground in the NL Central but have shown some recent shakiness. They're 5-5 over their last 10 games and have given up 5.66 runs per game over that stretch. Still, the offense remains dangerous, ranking fifth in on-base percentage across the majors. Kyle Tucker leads the way with a .287 average, 16 homers, and 49 RBIs, while Michael Busch has been hot of late, collecting 12 hits in his last 37 at-bats.

Friday’s pitching matchup features Houston’s Brandon Walter (0-1, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) and Chicago’s Cade Horton (3-1, 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), a promising young arm making one of his biggest starts of the season on the road. Horton will have his hands full with Isaac Paredes, who’s slugged 16 homers on the year, and Mauricio Dubón, who’s found a groove with four home runs over his last 10 games.

It’s the first meeting of the season between these two clubs — and if the trends continue, it may not be the last time they cross paths when it really counts.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -112, Cubs -107; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

Here's a preview of Joe Espada's Game 1 lineup.

The first thing that stands out is rookie Cam Smith is hitting cleanup, followed by Jake Meyers. Victor Caratini is the DH and is hitting sixth. Christian Walker is all the way down at seventh, followed by Yainer Diaz, and Taylor Trammell who is playing left field.

How the mighty have fallen.

Pretty wild to see Walker and Diaz hitting this low in the lineup. However, it's justified, based on performance. Walker is hitting a pathetic .214 and Diaz is slightly better sporting a .238 batting average.

Screenshot via: MLB.com



___________________________

*ChatGPT assisted.

Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome