This Day In Astros History: July 11, 1986

On this day, from one of the biggest years in franchise history, the Astros lost a quick, quick 4-1 game to the Philadelphia Phillies at the Astrodome.

Mike Scott started this game for Houston, striking out nine in seven innings and allowing three hits, three runs and four walks. The loss dropped his record to 9-6 on the season and the runs raised his ERA up to 2.29 for the season. Charlie Kerfeld and Dave Smith pitched the final two innings while Don Carman got the win for Philly while Steve Bedrosian picked up the save.

This game was also notable because it was the game that Jose Cruz started taking off that season. Cheo had a miserable first half, struggling with a knee injury and hitting just .249 with no homers before this game. He may have gone just 1 for 4, but he did hit his first dinger of the season, starting a surge that saw him hit nine more down the stretch and hit .309 in the second half of the season. Cruz was a big part of the reason why Houston caught fire and made the playoffs in '86.

Billy Doran was probably the leading hitter in the game for Houston, going 2 for 3 with a stolen base and a walk. Phil Garner didn't have a hit, going 0 for 3, but also stole a base and was hit by a pitch. 

For a graphic replay of the game, check out Back to Baseball.