Springer scores only Houston tally
(c) Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
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Friday's 4-1 loss to San Diego resembled countless National League games against the former West Division foes with the better pitching coming out on top. After the Astros held another pre-game championship celebration, the Padres silenced Houston to the tune of four hits behind Luis Perdomo, ex-Astro Jordan Lyles, Kirby Yates and closer Brad Hand. The bullpen did not give up a hit.
The defeat snapped a five-game Houston winning streak and was their first home loss in four contests.
Jose Pirela singled off Lance McCullers in the top of the first and advanced on a walk to Eric Hosmer. An errant pickoff throw advanced the runners then a passed ball on Brian McCann gave San Diego the early 1-0 lead.
Houston answered in the third when singles by George Springer and Jose Altuve put a man on third with one out. Carlos Correa lofted a an 0-2 pitch to center that scored Springer on a sacrifice fly.
Two Friars reached in the fifth before Pirela spanked a line double off the right field fence to get both runners home. McCullers was done after five frames, allowing seven hits and three walks.
San Diego added an insurance run in the ninth when Christian Villanueva doubled off Ken Giles to plate Hosmer. All that was left was for Hand to notch his second save of the year.
The 6-2 Astros hope to rebound Saturday night when Gerrit Cole (1-0) takes the hill against righthander Bryan Mitchell (0-1). The game time will be at 6:10 pm Central.
- Bob Hulsey
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