No bullpen meltdown today, everyone!
The lineup, on the other hand, remains a problem. Yes, the Astros had 11 hits — all singles! — but they failed to convert when it mattered most. Again. A recurring theme of the season. Both runs scored were listed as unearned, although you could make an argument that the first one could be considered an earned run because of an errant throw by Bryan Woo to first base allowed Christian Walker to reach and, more importantly, allowed Jose Altuve to score. Leo Rivas’ error one batter later with Victor Caratini allowed Walker to scamper home from second, giving Houston an early 2-0 lead.
The pitching staff didn’t need any additional assistance from the lineup—an encouraging and disappointing thought at the same time. Framber Valdez, to be honest, wasn’t exactly in peak form. Yes, he threw six innings of one-run ball. That’s not only a quality start, which he now has four straight, that’s typically a very good start, especially against a divisional opponent you’re currently chasing in the standings. Let me make that clear, as sometimes a pitcher may not have his best stuff, but he does the job. Valdez did that, although precision (four walks, only seven whiffs on 35 swings) alluded him for most of his start.
Bennett Sousa, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader combined to throw three scoreless innings, striking out six while allowing one hit. For Abreu, in particular, his performance on Saturday was a bounceback from his appearance on Friday when allowed a pair of runs that allowed Seattle to pull away later in the game.
With at least a series split ensured, the Astros aim to take three out of four on Sunday against the Mariners, with Colton Gordon getting the starting nod and Luis Castillo for the Mariners.