Astros Drop Close Contest
The Houston Astros fell short in a 3-2 decision against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, September 12, at Tropicana Field. The contest featured strong pitching from both sides, but Tampa Bay managed to edge out the win. The final score was 3-2 in favor of the home team, with 24,642 fans in attendance.
The loss drops Houston to a 75-74 record, while Tampa Bay moves to 89-59.
Scoring Sequence
The game began with the Rays taking an early lead. In the first inning, Paredes hit a home run to left center field, traveling 391 feet, to give Tampa Bay a 1-0 advantage. The Astros responded in the fifth inning when Palacios singled to center, allowing Mesa Jr. and Simpson to score, putting Houston ahead 2-1.
In the sixth inning, Diaz singled to left field, driving in Altuve to tie the game at 2-2. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Madrigal hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Piper to give the Rays a 3-2 lead.
Pitching Performance
Peter Lambert started for the Astros and pitched six innings. He allowed six hits and three earned runs while walking none and striking out four batters. Lambert took the loss, dropping his record to 8-9.
Bennett Sousa pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing no hits or earned runs but walking one batter. AJ Blubaugh pitched one inning, allowing one hit and walking two batters without allowing earned runs. Bryan King pitched one-third of an inning, allowing no hits or earned runs while walking one batter.
For the Rays, Ian Seymour started and pitched six innings. He allowed four hits and two earned runs, walked one batter, and struck out ten. Tyler Wells pitched one inning, allowing no hits or earned runs, walking one batter and striking out two.
He earned the win, improving his record to 5-2. Ty Johnson pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing no hits or earned runs, walking one batter and striking out one. He recorded the hold, his first of the season.
Bryan Baker pitched one and one-third innings, allowing one hit and no earned runs, walking none and striking out one. He recorded the save, his 40th of the season.
Sources
ESPN
