Brett Oberholtzer (2-1, 2.57) vs Jason Vargas (6-5, 3.86)
The Angels may be 15 games ahead of the Astros in the standings, but all things considered, I'd rather be having Houston's season than LAA's. $128 million payroll for fourth place, with huge future commitments, and the worst farm system in baseball? That sounds familiar, doesn't it? And the $20 million Davids are now 9-7 on the season against these $128 million Goliaths. Astros take the game and the series 7-5, for their second straight series win - the first time they've won two straight series since June 14-20 vs. the White Sox and Brewers in Houston.
On the Mound:
*The driven determination that Brett Oberholtzer was known for in the minor leagues is showing up and paying off now with Houston. He turned in his fourth straight quality start, limiting the Angels to a 6 IP / 7 H / 3 R / 3 ER / 1 BB / 4 K line.
*Jordan Lyles had been in line to start tomorrow @ Texas, but instead he got the call in relief today. The results were so-so, allowing 2 R on 2 H and 3 BB in 2.1 IP. Lucas Harrell will get the start tomorrow instead.
*Kevin Chapman relieved Lyles with two on and one out in the 9th, but he only needed four pitches to end the game, getting Peter Bourjos to ground into a double play for his first career save.
At the Plate:
*L.J. Hoes had his own career first, launching his first big league home run in the 1st and finishing 3 for 4 with a RBI and 2 R. Dude is absolutely locked in right now, hitting .529 (11 for 21) with a 2B, 3B, and now a HR in the last 5 games.
*Matt Dominguez had an even better day, however, ripping a 3-run HR in the 7th (his 16th) and going 4 for 5 with 2 R overall.
*Robbie Grossman went 1 for 4 with a RBI double and a K.
*Jake Elmore (2 for 5, K), Brandon Barnes (1 for 4, BB, 2 K), and Carlos Corporan (0 for 4, BB) each scored a run apiece.
*Marwin Gonzalez is back? Marwin Gonzalez is back! He went 1 for 4 with a steal today.
*Jose Altuve went 0 for 4, but drove in Houston's final run on a sac fly in the 8th.
Turning Point:
With the score tied 3-3, L.J. Hoes led off the 7th with a single, then advanced to second on a wild pickoff throw by Juan Gutierrez after Jose Altuve flied out. Chris Carter K'd, then the Angels made the decision to intentionally walk Carlos Corporan and pitch to Matt Dominguez instead. Dominguez responded to the insult with rightful outrage, blasting a 3-run homer into the Astros' bullpen in left on the first pitch he saw.
Man of the Match:
Matty D! He finished the Angels series 8 for 18 with 2 HR.
Goat of the Game:
Hmm... Jordan Lyles, I guess? Allowed the Angels to cut a 7-3 lead in half in the 8th, then left with the tying runs on in the 9th.
