The Houston Astros fell 4-2 to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday inside Daikin Park. The loss completes a series sweep, with Houston falling in all three games.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Astros (55-38) went with Brandon Walter on the mound. Walter struggled in the first, giving up back to back solo homers to Angel Martinez and Jose Ramirez. That made it 2-0 Guardians.
The Guardians (43-48) countered with Slade Cecconi on the hill. He was able to work a clean and efficient first, retiring the side in order.
Both pitchers settled in effectively, and zeroes were put up for the next several innings. Walter was able to make it through six without allowing anything else. In the seventh, however, Cleveland got a two-run single from Johnathan Rodriguez off of the Houston bullpen. That made it 4-0.
The Astros finally broke through against Cecconi in the bottom of the eighth. Mauricio Dubon doubled home a run, chasing the Cleveland starter. Jose Altuve added another run-scoring double, and the lead was cut in half to 4-2.
The rally would fall short, as the Astros could not get anything going in the ninth. They were swept in the series.
BIG NUMBER: 3
After sweeping three on the road from the Dodgers, the Astros fell victim to a sweep here at home. They now look to change their momentum with just three games left before the All-Star break.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Slade Cecconi
The Guardians starter was excellent, working seven plus innings. He allowed two runs, striking out nine and walking just two in the victory.
UP NEXT: The Astros will begin their final series before the All-Star break on Friday, July 11th against the Texas Rangers at 7:10 PM. You can listen to the action on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.