Osuna blows the save and spoils the Astros comeback

With Justin Verlander on the mound a day after scoring 23 runs, the Astros were in a perfect position to sweep. However, Roberto Osuna blows his 5th save.

Verlander struck out 11 hitters and did not allow one home run in the Sunday finale for the Astros. However, he did allow four runs on nine hits and lasted only five innings, due to a high pitch count. It took Verlander 53 pitches just to get through the first two innings.

Down one run in the top of the 2nd inning, Alex Bregman walked and Jose Altuve singled to put two runners on base. Carlos Correa came up big with a three-run homer, giving the Astros a 3-1 lead.

After striking out the first two batters he faced in the 6th, Chris Devenski allowed two singles and a double, as the Orioles took a 5-3 lead. The Astros would then cut the lead to one after Josh Reddick scores on an Altuve ground out in the 7th inning.

In the top half of the 9th, with George Springer and Altuve on base, Michael Brantley triples to the right field corner bringing in two runs. He then scored himself when the Orioles right fielder had trouble with his throw, allowing Brantley to round the bases. Aledmys Diaz grounded into a double play to kill the rally and end the inning.

Roberto Osuna came in to close things out for the Astros but allowed three runs, including a two-run homer to end the game. The Astros still take the series 2-1, but I’m starting to lose confidence in our closer.

In 21 outings from March 28th through May 20th, Osuna only allowed one run  for a .042 ERA and was one of the best closers in baseball.  His ERA in July was 4.22 and so far in August, it is 10.12. He has also given up a home run in three of his last seven games.