Adam Warren (2-2, 3.63) vs Brett Oberholtzer (4-4, 2.71)
Does anyone even remember that the Astros had a four-game winning streak and were 7-5 in September before they dove headlong off this cliff? That seems so long ago now. Breaking records and making history - Houston drops a club record 13th straight contest, Mariano Rivera did not pitch, and the Yankees come away winners by a 3-2 score. The loss also extends the club record with 109 overall.
On the Mound:
*If we learned anything about Brett Oberholtzer this year, it is this: he made a lousy relief pitcher (7.36 ERA in 3 appearances), but he's got the makings of a solid starter (2.24 ERA over 10 starts). He ends on another losing note, but he gave the Astros a chance, with a 5.1 IP / 5 H / 3 R / 2 ER / 1 BB / 4 K line.
*Josh Zeid fanned three in a perfect 1.2 IP.
*Kevin Chapman followed with a K in a perfect 8th.
*Then Josh Fields allowed a single but struck out two in a scoreless 9th.
At the Plate:
*Only Brett Wallace stood between the Astros and another shutout tonight. He entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 7th and drove home both runs on a 2-RBI double, finishing 1 for 2 with a K.
*L.J. Hoes was 2 for 4 and scored on Wallace's double.
*Chris Carter was 0 for 3, but walked and scored ahead of Wallace as well.
*Jonathan Villar went 1 for 4 with a SB and 2 K.
*Brandon Barnes went 1 for 2 with a K before he was lifted in favor of Wallace.
Turning Point:
The Astros only had two hits and trailed 3-0 going to the bottom of the 7th, when Chris Carter led off with a walk. L.J Hoes singled in between a pair of fly outs, putting two on with two out. Joe Girardi brought in Joba Chamberlain to pitch, and Bo Porter countered by pinch hitting for Brandon Barnes with Brett Wallace. Wallace immediately laced the first pitch over Mariano Rivera's Curtis Granderson's head onto Tal's Hill in center for a two-run double, then Jonathan Villar singled on Chamberlain's second pitch to move Wallace up to third. Jose Altuve walked next to load the bases, but Matt Dominguez flied out to end Houston's best chance at winning the game.
Man of the Match:
Brett Wallace. He K'd to end the game, but without him, they wouldn't have even been this close.
Goat of the Game:
Matt Dominguez. Flied out to end the 7th inning rally, and his throwing error in the 4th contributed to New York's unearned run.
