Houston Astros Come Up Short In Series Opener Against Phillies

The Houston Astros dropped their first game against the Philadelphia Phillies in what is a rematch of the 2022 World Series.
Houston Astros Come Up Short In Series Opener Against Phillies
Houston Astros Come Up Short In Series Opener Against Phillies /
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The Houston Astros performed admirably in the series rematch opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

But in the end, the Astros (14-12) came up a little bit short in a 3-1 loss at Minute Maid Park.

Framber Valdez, who won two games against the Phillies in the 2022 World Series, gave up three runs in seven innings and certainly kept the Astros in the game.

Mauricio Dubon went 0-for-4 and had his 20-game hitting streak snapped.

Jeremy Pena popped a solo home run for the Astros’ lone run.

In the fifth inning the Astros had runners on first and third with no outs. Jake Meyers hit a slow grounder to first and Alec Bohm threw out Jose Abreu at the plate. Phillies starter Aaron Nola then retired Ryan Bannon and Martin Maldonado and the Astros were held off the scoreboard.

Earlier in the game in the first inning, Alex Bregman crushed a shot, but Nick Castellanos made a stellar catch as he jumped high on the right field wall to make the grab.

Cristian Javier will take the ball for the Astros in the middle game Saturday against Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

  1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!


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Andy Jasner
ANDY JASNER

Andy Jasner is a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area. Jasner graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 and has worked for newspapers, magazines and websites including CBS SportsLine and ESPN.com. Jasner has written two books -- Baltimore Ravens and Phil Jasner: On The Case. Follow him on Twitter at @AndyJasner.