Diamondbacks 2, Astros 0: Astros get Greinked

The Houston Astros have struggled mightily since the All-Star Break. The team was 12-16 in the second half of the season entering Monday night.

It didn’t help things that the Astros were a facing one of the top pitcher in the National League, Zack Greinke in the desert.

Greinke was in full control for 6 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing zero runs on five hits and two walks while striking out nine.

The Astros’ lone big hit came from Marwin Gonzalez in the fourth inning. He hit a double with two outs, but Derek Fisher’s swing of the bat couldn’t find green grass.

Collin McHugh for his part matched Greinke stride for stride for the most part. He allowed two runs on six hits over 5 ²⁄₃ innings, striking out six. Doubles from Ketel Marte and J.D. Martinez scored runs in the second and sixth innings.

Tyler Clippard got in for his first inning as an Astro, allowing one hit, one strikeout, and one walk in the eighth inning.

The highlights of the night came from Josh Reddick, who made two running catches to rob D-Backs of hits. Reddick robbed Martinez in the second inning and A.J. Pollock in the seventh inning.