Astros complete the mini-sweep of the Rockies
Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 2 hits from the 4-2 win
Jul 3, 2019, 9:54 pm
Astros complete the mini-sweep of the Rockies
Houston sought to take advantage of the thin air of Coors Field and power past the Rockies to complete the mini-sweep on Wednesday night. Here is a recap of the game:
Final Score: Astros 4, Rockies 2.
Record: 55-32, first in the AL West.
Winning pitcher: Wade Miley (7-4, 3.28 ERA).
Losing pitcher: Peter Lambert (2-1, 6.67 ERA).
Just one of the reasons @ABREG_1 is headed to Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/5UVW6BfWvj
— MLB (@MLB) July 4, 2019
Alex Bregman helped Houston start the game on Wednesday right where they left off on Tuesday, getting a solo home run in the top of the first to put the Astros ahead 1-0. After Colorado tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, Yuli Gurriel responded to lead off the second inning, getting his third home run of the two-game series and regain the lead at 2-1.
They made it three straight innings with runs in the third, loading the bases with two outs to set up Josh Reddick for a two-RBI double that was nearly a bases-clearing double except Colorado was able to get Gurriel out at home to end the inning, but not before Houston had gone up 4-1. They would go on to ride those four runs to the win.
Wade Miley was able to build upon the success of his most recent start where he went six innings with one run, doing the same in this game in hitter-friendly Colorado. Miley did allow a game-tying RBI-single in the first, but he was able to rebound from that and get through the next five innings without allowing any more runs.
He allowed a couple of hits along the way, but would not allow anyone past second base. Getting through six innings was a boost for his team who had to use their bullpen for five and one-third innings the night before. Miley's final line: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K.
Chris Devenski took over for Miley to start the seventh but would face just three batters to which he allowed a single and RBI-double to get the Rockies within two runs at 4-2. Collin McHugh was brought in to finish the seventh, and he would get two consecutive outs to do so.
Hector Rondon was next out of the bullpen and gave his team a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth inning, setting up Roberto Osuna for another save opportunity. He would notch that save, wrapping up the 4-2 win which completed the sweep and extended Houston's winning streak to five games.
Up Next: The Astros will travel back to Houston tonight before a day off tomorrow. The last series before the All-Star break will be this weekend at home against the Angels. Game one of the three-game set will feature Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.86 ERA) on the mound for Houston going against Andrew Heaney (1-2, 5.40 ERA) for Los Angeles.
The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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