Astros Drop Rubber Match vs Marlins

The Astros dropped the finale vs the Miami Marlins tonight 5-3. Astros starter Lucas Harrell got off to a terrible start as he walked the bases loaded in the first inning, but luckily, only gave up one run as Jose Reyes scored on a fielding error. The Astros came right back to even things up as Jordan Schafer scored on a wild pitch. They would take the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Chris Johnson launched a solo home run to left field but Harrell was ultimately outdueled by Marlins SP, Josh Johnson.

The Fish would plate two more in the top of the fourth inning and hold on to the lead until Brian Bogusevic came through in the clutch again in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game at three. The Marlins would then score two in the top of the 12th off  David Carpenter which would prove to be the winning runs. The hometown nine will now head to Pittsburgh for a three game weekend set against the Pirates.  Lucas Harrell ended up pitching 5.1 innings, allowing 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K on 107 pitches. He was hit and miss tonight and showed a lot of what he’s been showing for the most part this year on his way to a 4.58 ERA. Until his final at bat, Brian Bogusevic continued to look lost at the plate. Meanwhile down at AAA, Fernando Martinez is off to a nice start posting numbers .317/.380/.537 with 6 HR in 32 games. Makes you wonder how much longer Bogusevic will get if Martinez continues to post those kind of numbers. He is also younger than Bogusevic. Jose Altuve also had a rare hitless night. All was not negative though, as Wilton Lopez plunked Hanley Ramirez in the top of the 7th inning which started some fireworks. Not sure if it was intentional or not although Ramirez did hit a two run homer off Lopez back on April 15 and stood and watched the ball while walking ever so slowly to first base. If he hit him on purpose, good. Hanley Ramirez is known around MLB for his mannerisms but I guess if anyone gives it back to him, he throws a fit. Oh well, this is the last time the Astros will play the Marlins for a few years as the move to the AL West begins next year. Jordan Schafer also had a very solid night at the plate going 4-5 with two doubles and a run scored and made a great catch in the outfield as well. As mentioned earlier, Chris Johnson launched a solo home run and continues his hot streak. Rhiner Cruz also pitched a scoreless ninth inning in his first stint off the DL. The Stros finished up the home stand with a very nice 6-3 record. Let’s see what the Stros can do in Pittsburgh over the weekend as the Astros will take on the division rival Pirates who currently sit at 14-16 for a three game set.