It turned into a nail-biter, but what a way to start a road trip! Astros 6 Phillies 5.
The fireworks started early, silencing much of the 39,262 in attendance. Daulton Varsho doubled to start things in the second. Yanier Diaz followed with a single and then Christian Walker unleashed a dinger to center field and just like that, it was 3-0. The Astros weren’t done. Cam Smith drew a walk and a double by Jeremy Pena would make it 4-0.
That would remain the score until Cam Smith launched his 18th home
run of the season. The 418 feet blast would travel 10 rows up making things 5-0. Cam has now doubled his total of a year ago in which he hit 9 homers.
In the bottom of the sixth, Philly would finally get on the board. Justin Crawford doubled to right and came around to score on Kyle Schwarber’s RBI single. Trea Turner would then homer to left and it was 5-3. Each team would score in the 7th. Daulton Varsho would launch the Astros third home run of the night. His solo shot made things 6-3. The Phillies would get that run back. Alec Bohm doubled and he’d eventually score on a Brandon Marsh double.
Josh Hader came on and recorded his 24th save of the season. He made things interesting allowing multiple runners to reach and Bryson Stott to score but that was as close as things got.
Hayden Wesneski went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 3. It was Wesneski’s 5th win. The combination of Blubaugh, Sousa and Abreu would combine for a pair of innings, only allowing a run. Abreu’s stuff was borderline electric in spots building up equity as the days tick down to October.
The Astros are now 74-71 on the season and have snapped their 2-game losing skid.
Odds & Ends:
Josh Hader’s 21 straight scoreless appearances streak has come to an end. he has converted 24 straight save opportunities to start the season.
Hunter Brown will take the hill Wednesday for game two tomorrow. First pitch 5:40 pm CDT.
