In back-to-back games for the Astros, they score three in the first inning, tonight off of Triston McKenzie. McKenzie went five giving up five and had a hard time keeping the Astros off the base path.
Mike Zunino had a terrible game behind the plate with a throwing error in the 4th inning and later in the 6th, he had another dreaded passed ball, which is starting to become a staple for Zunino. He was also 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a double play that ended a rally. The “Bo” chants were very loud in Progressive Field.
Cleveland did get the first two on in the 9th with Jose Ramirez, Josh Naylor, and Will Brennan up, but they were only able to score one run on a Naylor sacrifice fly to make it 6-4. That said, the middle of the order did have another strong night as all three, Ramirez, Naylor, and Brennan, had two hits each.
On Saturday night, the Houston Astros secured a 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, thanks to a strong performance by Jose Abreu, a solid outing by rookie J.P. France, and a resilient bullpen. Abreu kicked off the game with a two-run homer in the first inning off Triston McKenzie (0-1), and later added an insurance run with an RBI single in the ninth. This win helped the Astros bounce back after losing in a 14-inning game on Friday.
The Guardians, who had managed to come back five times in the series opener to secure a victory, scored a run in the ninth inning and had the tying run at the plate. However, Astros closer Ryan Pressly stepped up and struck out Will Brennan, securing his 12th save in 14 chances.
Unlike the previous marathon game that lasted four hours, this game was completed in a more reasonable time of 2 hours and 52 minutes, with both teams completing nine innings.
Although France (2-1) struggled with control, walking six batters in 6 2/3 innings, he received support from the Astros’ infield, which turned three double plays. France allowed three runs and seven hits but managed to keep the team in the game. This solid performance by France allowed manager Dusty Baker to rest his relievers, who had been heavily used in the previous game.
Abreu’s home run in the first inning was part of a three-run surge for the Astros, who quickly took a 5-1 lead. McKenzie, making only his second start after recovering from a shoulder strain, was taken out of the game after five innings and 92 pitches.
In the seventh inning, the Guardians made a comeback attempt, scoring two runs off France. José Ramírez’s RBI single led to France being replaced, and reliever Bryan Abreu gave up a run-scoring single to Josh Naylor, narrowing the Astros’ lead to 5-3. However, Abreu managed to strike out pinch-hitter Josh Bell with runners in scoring position, preventing the Guardians from tying the game.
In the ninth inning, Cleveland threatened again by placing the first two batters on base with a single and an error. However, Pressly showcased his pitching prowess by striking out Ramírez, giving up a sacrifice fly, and then striking out Brennan to end the game.
Abreu’s home run against McKenzie signaled a positive development for the Houston slugger, who had struggled to find his power earlier in the season. It took him until May 28 to hit his first home run of the year, but now he seems to be emerging from his slump with his third homer. The Astros were able to capitalize on Abreu’s renewed power to secure the win.
Andrés Giménez was not in the starting lineup after twisting his arm during Friday’s game. He came in as a pinch hitter.
Saturday 6/11 12:40 PM EST – Series Finale vs Houston Astros.
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