Angels starting pitcher José Suarez throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Houston Astros on Thursday night in Houston, Texas. Suarez allowed one unearned run in five innings in a 3-1 loss. HOUSTON — Jose Suarez showed more promising signs in his return to the starting rotation, but the Angels were once again plagued by a lack of run support in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.
Taylor Ward blasted his fifth leadoff home run of the season , tying him for fifth-most in MLB. However, that proved to be the only offense the Angels could muster against Astros starter Yusei Kikuchi and a trio of veteran relievers in Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader. The Angels struck out 11 times while walking only once and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.
With Thursday’s loss, the Angels had their brief two-game winning streak snapped, while the AL West-leading Astros moved closer to clinching another division title.Rookies spark Angels’ offense in support of Griffin Canning, ending losing streak Even so, for a young team, there was plenty to like on the mound. Making his second start of the year – both against the Astros – Suarez again kept them off-balance with five innings of one-run ball .
The 26-year-old gave up three hits and two walks while striking out five, and an ERA that was at 8.15 when Suarez rejoined the Angels on Sept. 9 is now more than two runs lower at 6.
08. In 12 September innings sin.