Brad Peacock’s Quality Start Goes to Waste

Brad Peacock (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Well after the last two games, Wednesday night’s loss to the Detroit Tigers wasn’t too bad. You don’t want to get to the point where losses are considered a success, but we are just about there.

Brad Peacock got the start and took the loss by the score of 3-2. With the return of Scott Feldman and the success of Colin McHugh, there is now a battle for the last spot in the rotation. As of now, we do not have clarity from Bo Porter other than that it looks everyone will get one more start before a decision is made.

But if tonight was Peacock’s audition, he did a good job to put his best foot forward.

Peacock pitched 6.2 innings allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters. In fact, there really were just two blemishes on the right-hander’s record as his ERA now sits at 5.01. Miguel Cabrera got the scoring started with a two run home run in the first inning after a leadoff walk to Ian Kinsler. Victor Martinez‘s sixth inning solo shot then proved to be the margin of victory.

After Peacock left the game, we saw something that has been rare in these parts; scoreless relief from the bullpen. Newly recalled Josh Zeid struck out Torii Hunter to end the seventh inning and then Chad Qualls then pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Getting the start in place of Jonathan Villar, Marwin Gonzalez was the offensive star of the night for Houston. Gonzalez doubled to lead off the third inning before scoring on a Dexter Fowler ground out. The shortstop then drove in Marc Krauss with a seventh inning to bring the Astros to within a run.

Villar did make a pinch running appearance in the ninth stealing two bases, but it was not enough as the Astros look to salvage the series on Thursday.

George Springer did single to extend his hitting streak to seven games, but he also struck out three times.