Lucas Harrell (5-4, 4.70) vs Philip Humber (2-3, 5.68)
The Astros jumped out to a commanding 9-3 lead behind 3 longballs this afternoon, tacked on a 4th homerun late in the game, and survived a late charge by the White Sox to hang on for an 11-9 victory and a series win over the White Sox. The Astros improved to 26-34 after 60 games.
*Lucas Harrell was just good enough to win today, thanks to a good offense behind him. His line wasn't spectacular: 7.1 IP / 6 H / 5 ER / 1 BB / 5 K. Wright pitched a scoreless 1/3, while Lopez and Rodriguez gave up 4 runs between them in their 2/3 combined work. Myers got the last 2 outs in the 9th to record his 15th save. He now sports a very nice 2.08 ERA on the year.
Observations:
*Altuve and Maxwell were the biggest offensive stars today (and my co-Men of the Match below). Altuve went 2 for 5 with a HR, 2 runs and 3 RBI. Maxwell went 2 for 3 with a HR (which was reviewed and upheld), 2 runs, 3 RBI and a walk.
*Maxwell's homerun was a big one. He fell behind 1-2 and turned it into a very nice at bat which ended in the 2 run homerun, bringing the Astros from trailing to leading with one swing of the bat.
*Brett Wallace and JD Martinez also homered.
*Wallace finished 2 for 4 with 2 runs, an RBI and a walk. His approach has been very nice since he was called up, and his numbers reflect it. In a limited sample size, he is hitting .400/.500/.760.
*Despite JD's homerun, he did still have his struggles at the plate with 2 punch outs.
*The Astros walked 4 times and struck out 13 times. They collected 11 hits, with 4 being homeruns and 2 being doubles.
*Bixler stole 2 bags and Altuve stole 1 as well.
*Stone Hands Chris Johnson managed to collect himself another error.
Turning Point:
The Astros 5 run 6th inning was the difference maker today.
Man of the Match:
Split decision to Maxwell and Altuve.
Goat of the Game:
Rodriguez had a 6 run lead with only 3 outs left to get, and he couldn't get the job done - giving up 3 runs in only 1/3 of work and forcing Myers to be used in what should have been a sure thing of a finish.
