Framber Valdez’s robust begin helps the Astros sweep the Orioles

HOUSTON — The best way they got here out and dominated the Orioles this weekend at Minute Maid Park, the Astros have despatched discover to the remainder of the American League that they are not fairly prepared to surrender their standing as one of many league’s heavyweights.

The rising Astros obtained seven robust innings from beginning pitcher Framber Valdez and 4 hits from third baseman Alex Bregman to defeat the Orioles, 8-1, on Sunday afternoon and pull off a powerful three-game sweep of a staff that not often will get swept. This was solely the second time Baltimore had been swept up to now 116 collection.

“They’re a fantastic ball membership, they have a fantastic pitching workers, however we hit the bat nicely at this time and all through the lengthy collection,” mentioned Bregman, who has hit 12-for-26 in his previous six video games. “I am very pleased with the hassle the gamers put in and their preparation, and we’ve to maintain that going.”

Houston has gained 5 straight video games with out star Kyle Tucker, who’s on the injured record with a proper leg bruise, and at 38-40 has put itself in place to achieve .500 by the tip of its homestand, which concludes with video games in opposition to Colorado on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I really feel just like the power was key, the main focus was key and popping out with vibe and coming to the play,” mentioned shortstop Jeremy Peña, who had three hits and three RBIs.

The power improved with rookie Joey Luberfido and versatile Mauricio Dupon taking part in each day, and head coach Joe Espada praised the membership’s curiosity within the deal. And on Sunday, Dupont knocked down a sacrifice bunt single and Yanner Diaz shortened his swing and had two sacks of flies — the form of little factor that will get overshadowed by hits and homers.

The Astros had their fair proportion of these as nicely, outscoring the Orioles, 27-13, in the course of the collection with out committing an error. They had been 11-for-31 (.355) with runners in scoring place.

“That is Astros baseball,” Espada mentioned. “That is what we count on from our staff. From power, consideration to element, taking part in the sport on the bases, on the defensive aspect, pitching, setting the tone — [Jose] Altuve homered from pitch No. 1 with a house run. We did many issues nicely. This was the collection we would have liked as a membership within the offseason.

After profitable a 14-11 slugfest over the Orioles on Friday regardless of giving up 18 hits, Houston held Baltimore’s juggernaut offense to 2 runs on Saturday and Sunday behind starters Ronel Blanco and Valdez, every of whom allowed one run in seven innings of labor. Valdez (6-5) allowed six hits, walked two and struck out seven batters.

“That wasn’t our greatest,” Orioles coach Brandon Hyde mentioned. “The primary evening was bizarre, after which we simply gained the final two video games with two starters who had been throwing the ball very well. Blanco was actually good yesterday, after which Valdez was throwing a sinker.” 94 mph, and we stored hitting him down the bottom, and I believed he did very well.

The Astros obtained all of the offense they wanted within the first by scoring 4 occasions off Orioles outfielder Albert Suarez and sending 9 hits to the plate. Altuve hit Suarez’s first pitch over the left area wall for his thirty eighth profession dwelling run, and Diaz, Peña and Dupont added RBI hits. Suarez threw 18 strikeouts on 22 pitches within the first inning, and Houston hitters swung at 15 of them with out an error.

“There was intent behind each shot, each swing, each swing,” Espada mentioned. “The sport plan was there. We did not cease. That is our offense. It is a dynamic offense that may beat you in loads of alternative ways, and we confirmed that in opposition to a extremely good staff.”

Peña added a double within the sixth inning for the Astros, who earned their first collection over a staff with a profitable report this yr. They’ve reduce the Mariners’ lead within the AL West to 4 video games within the final 5 days and 6 video games within the division as they strategy the halfway level of the season.

“I believe we will use this collection as a trampoline and construct momentum,” Espada mentioned. “You’ll be able to’t get snug after beating a staff like Baltimore. We have to maintain going, and I am certain these guys on the market are able to go.”