Whenever you read or hear that the bottom of the lineup did great for the Astros, it’s usually a good day. On Friday, it was one of those good games. The final third of the offensive order performed well enough to support Zack Greinke, and the Astros defeated the Rangers 10-4 to get their fourth win in a row.
Houston didn’t let rival pitchers breathe. Before the end of the third inning, three Ranger’s hurlers had already been on the mound. And it all started with Kyle Tucker and Myles Straw, who both singled and brought in the game's first two runs.
Quick start for the bats. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/CVAYRzblGV
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 15, 2021
With more singles and bases-loaded walks, the Astros were up in the score 7-1 after the first third of the contest. They scored three more runs in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI single from Straw and a 2-run shot from Martín Maldonado. It was 10-2. It was said and done.
We're straight up having a good time. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/m6eZR1PsHo
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 15, 2021
Tucker, Straw, and Maldonado combined for six hits in 10 at-bats, along with seven runs batted in, four scored runs, and two bases on balls. Friday night, heroes!
On the other hand, Greinke silenced the opposition for the biggest portion of his start to get his third victory of the season (3-1). He pitched seven innings of seven-hit, three-run ball, one walk, and five punchouts.
Even though Greinke got into some jams, he got himself out of them. In the second inning, he induced a double play. Then, in the third, he started another double play. And in the fifth, he eliminated a threat of two men on base with one out.
With this outing, Greinke surpassed Justin Verlander (2,988 innings) and is now at 2,990 2⁄3 career innings, most among active pitchers. Within his next two starts, the righty legend could become just the 137th pitcher in baseball history to reach 3,000 career episodes.
Kent Emanuel and Joe Smith combined to get the final six outs of the game and conquer another victory, the 22nd of the young campaign for Houston.
After another win by the A’s, the Astros couldn’t close the gap in the AL West. But they’ll have another chance this Saturday against the Rangers in the third matchup of a four-game series (7:10 pm ET). Right-hander Luis García will take the hill.