Chris Owings hit his sixth home run but the D’backs fell 5-4 to the Astros in 10 innings. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks just found how quickly things are coming together for the Houston Astros. The Snakes dropped a 5-4, 10 inning decision last night in Houston, losing both games in Minute Maid Park and three of four to the Astros this week. Houston has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last six weeks, having the third best record in the game since May 10th and is 7-3 over their last ten contests.
Wade Miley, perhaps the most disappointing D’back of all in 2014, put his team in an early hole as rookie Jon Singleton drove a run home with a sacrifice fly to give the ‘Stros a 1-0, first inning lead. Didi Gregorius answered with a sac fly of his own to tie the game at 1 in the third inning. A solo home run by Singleton in the third and a two-run shot by Carlos Corporan in the fourth gave Houston a 4-1 lead. Miley’s night was done after five innings as he allowed four runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out eight. His ERA now stands at 4.71. Didi scored on a wild pitch in the sixth and Chris Owings hit a solo home run in the seventh to pull the Snakes to within a run. In the top of the ninth, Miguel Montero hit an opposite field home run off Chad Qualls to tie the score at 4. However, in the bottom of the 10th, Chris Carter won the game for the Astros as he lined a J.J. Putz meatball into the seats for a 5-4 victory. Also contributing to the win was another standout Houston rookie, right fielder George Springer. He made two spectacular catches, the second one of which erased Paul Goldschmidt at second for an eighth frame, inning-ending double play.
Hardwood Houdini
The D’backs head to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers on Friday. Chase Anderson will try to improve to 6-0 against Clayton Kershaw. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM MST.