/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69161038/usa_today_15937039.0.jpg)
Despite strong starting pitching by Luis Garcia, the Astros again got blown out, losing their eighth game in the last nine. They have been outscored 52-23 during this stretch.
You can’t blame COVID on this one as the only player on the IL from the COVID protocols was Jose Altuve.
It was an all too familiar story. The Astros got only two runs on five hits. Meanwhile, the bullpen allowed four runs, not including the two inherited runners allowed by Bryan Abreu in the sixth with two outs, both charged to Luis Garcia.
In the seventh inning, Ryne Stanek allowed a solo homer to Dom Nunez, but the collapse in the eighth inning was a team effort. Brooks Raley allowed a single and a walk and with one out yielded to Joe Smith.
With one loud voice, Astros fans worldwide screamed in unison NOT JOE SMITH.
Yes, Joe Smith surrendered a three-run homer that put the game away.
CJ Cron hit this one, and Cron also doubled off Abreu for the two RBI in the sixth. In all, he had five RBI.
The Astros scored a run in the sixth on a Carlos Correa RBI double, and a meaningless run in the ninth when Aledmys Diaz doubled home Correa for the Stros’ only other run.
.@TeamCJCorrea doubles home Brantley #Astros lead 1-0! #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/eznYPqQGtv
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 21, 2021
One bright spot was another strong performance by rookie Luis Garcia who went 5.2 innings without allowing a run until Abreu allowed the two inherited runners to score. He had six K’s and three walks. Only 48 of his 84 pitches were strikes, however.
Box score and videos HERE.