Photo: Thomas Shea ~ Imagn Images
DETROIT, MICH. ~ The Detroit Tigers wrapped up their three-game set in Houston on Wednesday afternoon with a 4-2 loss to the Astros, dropping the series finale at Daikin Park. Houston’s offense did most of its damage in the middle innings, finishing with nine hits compared with just three for Detroit. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña led the way, going 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs, while designated hitter Yordan Alvarez and third baseman Isaac Paredes each added run-scoring doubles.
Detroit struggled to generate offense against Astros right-hander Peter Lambert, who turned in a strong outing. He pitched seven innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out five. Tigers right-hander Casey Mize made his return and kept things close early, but Houston broke through with three runs across the fifth and sixth innings to take control. Mize finished with 4 2/3 innings pitched, allowing six hits and three earned runs with three strikeouts.
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(CONTINUED) The Tigers got on the board late with a pair of solo home runs. Right fielder Kerry Carpenter hit his 10th of the season in the seventh inning, and rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle added another in the ninth to cut the deficit to two. Still, Detroit’s offense never found a rhythm, finishing with two runs on three hits while failing to draw a walk. The Tigers stranded two runners, and Houston’s bullpen closed it out, with left-hander Josh Hader recording the save.
With the win in the rubber match, the Astros claimed the series 2-1 after the teams split the first two games. Detroit won the opener 9-3 before Houston took the final two games by identical 4-2 scores. The Tigers now head home to begin a series against the Chicago White Sox, looking to bounce back from a 30-44 record.
