Astros 5, Orioles 2: "Pitching, defense, and the three-run homer"

I grew up hearing stories of Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, and Frank Robinson from my father. He was native of Maryland for much of his life, and grew up rooting for the Orioles and the Senators before that. One of his many tales was about Earl Weaver, this fiery manager who believed in "pitching, defense, and the three-run homer'. The Astros used this game plan to perfection on Sunday.

Jarred Cosart took the mound for the Astros on Sunday, and the Texas fireballer did not disappoint. Cosart went for 6.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO. He scattered eight hits throughout the game, the O's were only able to muster two major threats in the game. In the third, Nick Markakis,  Manny Machado, Chris Davis (fresh of the disabled list), and Adam Jones hit four straight singles to score Baltimore's only runs. Tony Sipp dominated in the two innings following Cosart, allowing zero hits and striking out five of six batters in the seventh and eighth innings. Chad Qualls had an eventless ninth inning, something that every Astros fan ( and the team for that matter) needed at this point.

The Astros turned two double plays behind Cosart, and had no errors. George Springer played a ball well off the wall to prevent Nick Markakis from scoring on Chris Davis double. The Astros had the pitching and defense, now for the three-run homer. Jason Castro was happy to oblige.

Jose Altuve and Dexter Fowler walked in front of Castro in the first. The Astros' designated hitter for the game took a first pitch changeup and crushed to dead center - that would be enough for the win. Marc Krauss would play add-on in the seventh with a two-run homer.

The Astros avoid the sweep and head home to face the Rangers tomorrow - Brad Peacock (0-3) vs. Colby Lewis (2-2).