Astros go Snake Hunting in Arizona; Take two from Diamondbacks

By Francisco Romero. – The Houston Astros left Phoenix Tuesday night after winning their seventh game in eight tries and after beating the Diamondbacks 8-5 at Chase Field for their second straight victory against Arizona.

We can’t say that the Diamondbacks were happy to see the Astros get out of Dodge because Arizona will be visiting Houston for two games (Wednesday and Thursday).

It is one of those rare four-game series played in two cities.

Astros outfielder George Springer was all over Diamondbacks pitchers, he hit a double on the first pitch he got from Patrick Corbin, and then hit a home run off the same pitcher in the second inning.   Springer finished the game with 3 hits and 4 RBI’s.

Just as his team, Springer has been en fuego since moving up in the line up to lead off hitter where he has 17 hits in 35 at bats (8 games).

“His job as a lead off hitter is to be a good hitter first, what comes with that is a better hitter,” said Astros manager A. J. Hinch when asked about Springer’s success. “Whether or is mental or physical, I don’t really care, I like the look of it. I think he has made a conscious adjustment to try to set the table for (Jose) Altuve and (Carlos) Correa.

On the mound, Astros’ starter Lance McCullers (2-1) got the win after pitching 5.0 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 earned runs.

Corbin (2-5) took the loss on the mound for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth inning by scoring two runs, but Astros closer Luke Gregerson struck out three to seal the game and got his 13^th save of the season.

For the Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt finished the game with 3 hits in four at bats was not enough to give his team a chance to win.

The following are the pitching match ups for Wednesday and Thursday between the Astros and Diamondbacks:

(Wednesday) RHP Mike Fiers (3-3, 5.20) vs. LHP Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.67)

(Thursday) LHP Dallas Keuchel (3-6, 5.58) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (6-3, 4.71)