Astros Fall in Extras to Twins 5-4

The Astros failed again in extra-innings, today in a most bizarre way.

With two outs in the 11th inning and the tying run on third, Mr. Walk-off himself, Jose Altuve tried to bunt the runner home, which, with two outs, meant that he would have to be safe at first as well.

Actually, it was a good bunt. Just not good enough, as Miguel Sano made a perfect bare-handed play and threw out Altuve by a hair.

The score was tied at the end of nine innings, 3 - 3, on the strength of Astros homers by rookies Taylor Jones and Chaz McCormick.

In his six innings pitched Astros starter Zack Greinke allowed three runs, two in the fifth and one in the sixth, the main blow a Mitch Garver homer in the fifth.

The Twins added a run in the 10th innings when Andrelton Simmons singled to send the automatic runner from second to third. The runner scored on a Max Kepler sac fly.

The Astros answered promptly with a Yordan Alvarez single to score the automatic runner, Jose Altuve. Alvarez was 3 -5 for the night.

The Twins broke the tie when the first batter, Josh Donaldson, singled in automatic runner Jorge Polanco.

In the bottom of the 11th, the Astros failed to answer when Altuve’s bunt was just a tad too strong.

And credit to Sano for an excellent play to get Altuve.