HOUSTON - Justin Verlander’s return to Minute Maid Park was spoiled Tuesday night by the Astros, who ended a five-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets.
Houston’s offense had been mostly lacking over the past week, and it’s really struggled for much of the season as the team battles injuries and at times flat out underperforms.
The Astros ranked in the bottom third across the big leagues in OPS over the last seven days going into Tuesday night’s game against the Mets, with their former ace Verlander on the mound. Max Scherzer held the Astros in check the previous night en route to a Mets blowout, 11-1.
But on this night, it was the Astros’ current ace Framber Valdez dealing masterfully. All it took for the Astros was a three-run third inning, led by Alex Bregman’s two-run blast to the Crawford Boxes, which followed a sacrifice fly by Jose Altuve.
In the seventh inning, Altuve singled in another run for Houston.
Valdez did run into some trouble in the eighth inning.
Tommy Pham led off with a single to right field, then Francisco Alvarez doubled on a sharp line drive to center field. Mark Canha hit a sacrifice fly to right fielder Kyle Tucker, who made a sliding catch to prevent further damage.
Eduardo Escobar’s single to center scored Alvarez, but Valdez was able to get out of the inning surrendering just the two runs.
Valdez gave up four hits, struck out five and walked one batter. Astros closer Ryan Pressly recorded the save.
Verlander gave up four earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts in seven innings. Both starters threw 94 pitches.
The Astros and Mets play a rubber match Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. CT. Cristian Javier (7-1, 2.90 ERA) takes the mound for Houston, while Tylor Megill (6-4, 4.83 ERA) gets the start for New York.
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
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