Dallas Keuchel (6-9, 4.99) vs Martin Perez (9-5, 3.54)
One day the Astros will win a game again. One day they'll even have a winning season again. It just sure doesn't feel like it right now. Houston's first season in the American League is now officially their worst in franchise history, as the Rangers complete the sweep with a 7-3 score tonight. It is loss #12 in a row for the Astros, and loss #108 on the year - a new franchise record. They finish the year 27-54 on the road and head home for the final three against the Yanks.
On the Mound:
*Excepting the events between the second and third outs of the 4th inning, Dallas Keuchel only surrendered two runs (one earned) on one hit. But every play counts, and Kid Keuchy ended his sophomore campaign with a 5.2 IP / 6 H / 7 R / 6 ER / 3 BB / 5 K line.
*Rhiner Cruz allowed a double and a walk in a scoreless 1.1 innings of work.
*Then Jorge De Leon worked a perfect 8th to wrap it up.
At the Plate:
*The Astros out-hit the Rangers 8-7 tonight, led by Brandon Laird and his 2-run HR. Laird finished 1 for 4 with a K.
*Chris Carter went 2 for 4 with a RBI, a run scored, and a K.
*Jose Altuve continues to be a bright spot in Houston's very dark September, going 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored tonight.
*Matt Dominguez (1 for 4), L.J. Hoes (1 for 4, 2 K), and Cody Clark (1 for 3, K) had the remaining hits.
Turning Point:
Dallas Keuchel and the Astros held a 3-1 lead with two outs and none on in the Rangers' half of the 4th. And then the train jumped the rails. It went thusly: single, walk, HBP, double, single, single, single. Suddenly Houston found themselves down 6-3, and it wouldn't matter that Keuchel got back on track after that.
Man of the Match:
Brandon Laird. Who at least gave the Astros a lead for the span of three outs.
Goat of the Game:
Dallas Keuchel. Whatever happened in the 4th, it was a sour ending to Kid Keuchy's season.
