The Houston Astros have entered win-or-go-home territory after losing Game 1 of the MLB Wild Card against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday afternoon by a score of 3-1.
After both teams blanked in the game’s opening inning, the Tigers’ offense opened the floodgates in the second frame. Three consecutive two-out singles by Jake Rogers, Trey Sweeney and Matt Vierling brought home three runners, and Astros’ starting pitcher Framber Valdez was left stunned. He was able to finish the inning with a strikeout, but the damage was done.
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Victor Caratini and Jose Altuve recorded the Astros’ first hits in the bottom of the third inning, but strong pitching from Tigers’ starter Tarik Skubal kept the ‘Stros from doing damage on the scoreboard.
After showing promise in the third inning, the Astros offense dried up. The team recorded occasional singles, but they were unable to come within striking distance of the three-run lead between the fourth and ninth innings.
Valdez was pulled after 4.1 innings of action. Hector Neris and Bryan King lasted for two outs each, and Ronel Blanco came in for two innings of relief. Caleb Ferguson stepped in for the final out of the eighth inning, and closer Josh Hader got the Astros through the ninth without adding to the 3-0 deficit.
In the bottom of the ninth, Houston’s offense finally found its footing, as Alvarez doubled, Bregman singled, and a single by Yainer Diaz brought in the team’s first run. Jeremy Pena advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt, and Caratini got out on a lineout to left.
Chas McCormick forced a walk to load the bases, but Jason Hayward lined out to first to seal the dramatic win for Detroit.
The Astros finished with seven hits—three of which came in the ninth inning—and Alvarez and Alex Bregman led the team with two. The Tigers tallied 10 hits, with Perez and Rogers each getting a pair.
Valdez surrendered three, seven hits and two walks across his 4.1 innings of action, also striking out three batters. For Detroit, Skubal pitched for 6.0 innings, allowing four hits, no runs and one walk, striking out six batters.
Game 2 will be tomorrow at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.