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A team is tempting fate trying to win game after game with three or fewer runs. The Astros won the last two with such small run production, but without someone named Verlander or Cole pitching, that gambit is not likely to work very often.
Tonight, the four runs the Brewer accumulated against Zack Greinke in the third inning were all they would need. Ryan Braun drew first blood for the Brewers with a single to score Trent Grisham, who had singled and moved to third on Yasmani Grandal’s single. And then came the big blow that won the game for the Brewers, Eric Thames’ three run homer. All the runs came with two outs.
.@EricThames launched a rocket clear out of the park to give the Brewers a 4-1 lead! #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/wFL5HiSwBb
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 4, 2019
The Astros scored in the second on a Josh Reddick single, which plated Abraham Toro, who had tripled in front of Reddick. Here’s Toro’s triple.
Bull market #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/BUYgZQxuPd
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 4, 2019
The other Astros run came on a sixth inning solo home run by Alex Bregman, his 33rd of the year.
Starting September strong. #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/SfxKOMyhpJ
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 4, 2019
Zack Greinke gave another so-so performance, and could not squeak out of this one with a win as was the case in previous games. He allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings. He was lucky that a number of other well-hit balls were hit right at fielders. His ERA before tonight’s game as an Astro was 3.45, with a 4.52 xFIP, significantly higher than his numbers with the Diamondbacks. No doubt these numbers will be higher tomorrow when they are re-calculated.
Is Greinke going to be the third ace in the playoffs for which the Astros paid so dearly? Inquiring minds are starting to wonder.
No doubt the Astros are going to the playoffs, so the loss of one game in a 162 game season is not a major event. George Springer’s head-on collision with the wall in center field is of much greater concern. He was sprawled on the ground for several minutes, but was able to get up and sit in the vehicle that escorted him out of the stadium for further testing. He was able to move his arms and neck, but if he doesn’t at least have a concussion I will be very surprised.
The #Astros say George Springer will be evaluated for a head injury tomorrow, considered day to day. Was carted off the field after crashing into the wall, hitting his head while making a remarkable catch in the 5th. as standing with the help of AJ Hinch & trainer Jeremiah Randle pic.twitter.com/C7BwfTjyfC
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 4, 2019
Get well George.
No game tomorrow.
Box score and videos HERE