Astros extend winning streak to six games

Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 3 hits from the 8-1 win

Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 3 hits from the 8-1 win
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

After sweeping the Rangers in Houston to finish last week and put them on a five-game winning streak, the Astros started a week on the road in Detroit on Monday night. Here's a recap of the first of three games against the Tigers:

Final Score: Astros 8, Tigers 1

Record: 27-15, first in the AL West.

Winning pitcher: Brad Peacock (4-2, 4.01 ERA)

Losing pitcher: Matthew Boyd (4-3, 3.15 ERA)

1) Living by the long ball 

Aledmys Diaz got the scoring started for Houston in the top of the second, hitting a solo home run to grab a 1-0 lead. After a walk from Tyler White in the next at-bat, Robinson Chirinos took advantage with a home run of his own to extend the lead to 3-0. Jake Marisnick kept the home run train going by hitting a two-run blast of his own in the top of the seventh to make the game 5-1. George Springer scored the first run that wasn't a homer in the top of the ninth, hitting an RBI single to extend the lead to 6-1 before Alex Bregman immediately followed with a home run to make it 8-1.

2) Peacock throws five innings

Brad Peacock did not have as great of a start on Monday as he did last week in Houston, only getting through five innings of work compared to the seven shutout innings in his last start. Over those five innings, he allowed one run on just three hits, four walks, and struck out three. The four walks increased his pitch count early, resulting in his short outing.

3) Bullpen pitches the final four innings

Hector Rondon took over on the mound in the sixth and was able to work around a hit to complete a scoreless inning. Will Harris had the seventh and was able to erase a couple of walks to send the game to the final two innings. Ryan Pressly was on the mound for the eighth and continued his streak of scoreless innings, then Josh James came in with the seven-run lead in the ninth and closed out the win on an incredible catch by George Springer.

Up Next: The Astros and Tigers will continue this series with another 6:10 PM start time tomorrow night. Wade Miley (3-2, 3.18 ERA) will be on the mound for Houston opposite of Ryan Carpenter (0-1, 10.80 ERA) for Detroit.

The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.

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Jose Altuve will hit leadoff for Houston in the opener against Baltimore. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Friday night looking to protect their lead in the AL West and build momentum as the calendar edges deeper into August. They’ll open a three-game weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles — a matchup that, on paper, tilts heavily in Houston’s favor.

Framber Valdez takes the mound for the Astros in the opener, bringing an 11-5 record, 2.97 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP into his 24th start of the season. The left-hander has been a reliable anchor for Houston’s rotation all year, capable of handling both high-leverage situations and deep outings, and he’ll be tasked with quieting a Baltimore lineup that’s been ice cold of late.

The Orioles counter with right-hander Brandon Young, still searching for his first win in the majors. Young has endured a rough debut season, going 0-6 with a 6.70 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. Baltimore will need him to find some early rhythm to have a chance, particularly against a Houston offense that has begun to heat up.

Carlos Correa has been Houston’s hottest bat over the past 10 games, going 16-for-40 with two home runs and seven RBIs. The Orioles’ top offensive threat remains catcher Adley Rutschman, who has nine homers and 27 RBIs, while infielder Jordan Westburg has added some pop with two homers in his last 10 games.

Baltimore has dropped six of its last 10 games, batting just .184 over that span and being outscored by 19 runs. Houston, by contrast, has gone 6-4 in its last 10, scoring enough to outpace opponents despite a 4.50 team ERA during that stretch.

This marks the first meeting between the Astros and Orioles this season. With 37 wins already at home and 14 of their next 17 games coming against teams with losing records, Houston sees this series as a prime opportunity to add wins and tighten its grip on a playoff bye — while keeping the pressure squarely on the AL West chase.

Starting lineup

Right away, you'll notice Jeremy Pena (illness) is out.

Altuve will DH and hit leadoff, with Correa hitting second (3B), and Jesus Sanchez batting third (LF).

Christian Walker will hit cleanup and play first base, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Ramon Urias (2B), Taylor Trammell (CF), Mauricio Dubon (SS), and Cam Smith (RF).


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