At this rate, Nelson Velazquez might just become “Mr. September”. For the second time this week, he’d come through in a major way. Astros 2 White Sox 0.
Wednesday Night was a scoreless affair until the 8th inning. Hayden Wesneski was nothing short of sensational. Seven innings, and only a single hit allowed. The difference would be execution late.
AJ Blubaugh initially appeared to be in trouble to start the 8th in relief. Tristian Peters tripled to start the frame. Drew Romo then walked. With runners
on the corners, Peters got a late jump on Sam Antonacci’s infield contact and was thrown out easily at home. Chicago would rebound briefly thanks to Munetaka Murakami’s single to right. That loaded the bases, but Miguel Vargas grounded into a double play and the side was retired.
For Houston’s home half of the 8th, the results would be vastly different. Yordan singled to center, Paredes drew a walk and Altuve was hit by a pitch, which loaded them up. Daulton Varsho would hit into a force out, but fortunately Nelson Velazquez would bring home Altuve and Paredes on a 2-run RBI single.
Josh Hader came on and closed the door in the 9th. Hader has now converted all 22 of his save opportunities this season. The best sequence for Hader was an 8-pitch battle against Randal Grichuk who went down on a nasty slider.
140 games are in the books. The Astros sit with a mark of 71-69 and now have two game lead over the Rangers.
