Astros beat Yankees 5-2 for third straight win

Last night in New York the Astros picked up their third straight victory and assured a series win over the Yankees. A 4-run seventh inning that included five straight hits helped to make Scott Feldman a winner.

The Astros bats were fairly quiet through the first six innings against Michael Pineda. The Yankees starter allowed only one run and four hits during that time. But after walking Jason Castro to start the seventh Pineda was removed from the game. That’s when the flood gates opened for the Astros.

Left-hander David Huff came in and struck out Jon Singleton, but Marwin Gonzalez knocked Huff out of the game with a single up the middle. Esmil Rogers replaced Huff on the mound and was rocked to the tune of four straight singles. Matt Dominguez, Jake Marisnick, Robbie Grossman, and Jose Altuve all got into the act. When the dust settled the Astros held a 5-2 lead — and that would end up being the final score.

Feldman returned to the mound for the bottom of the seventh despite having already thrown 106 pitches. After getting two quick outs it looked as if Scott was going to be able to complete the inning — but a walk to Brett Gardner and a single by Derek Jeter spelled the end of his night. In a gritty 121-pitch outing that included eight hits and four stolen bases by the Yankees, Feldman was able to limit New York to only two runs scored.

Kevin Chapman got the final out of the seventh by striking out Jacoby Elllsbury — but only after allowing the runners to advance to second and third when Castro got crossed-up behind the dish for a passed ball. But, unlike the recent past, the Astros were able to overcome their mistakes and hang on for the win. To me, that is a sign that this team is truly beginning to turn the corner.

For the second straight night, Josh Fields pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Jose Veras retired the first two batters in the ninth before giving up a hit and a walk just to make things interesting. But Ellsbury flew out to rightfield and the Astros were able to celebrate yet another win at Yankee Stadium.

The Astros send their ace, Dallas Keuchel, to the mound tomorrow at 12:05 CDT as they go for the sweep. New York counters with right-hander Brandon McCarthy.