Final/10
Diamondbacks-Astros Preview
Jul 31, 2015 - 5:34 AM The Houston Astros stocked their farm system as they painfully endured their three worst seasons in franchise history.With an abundance of young talent, they added some veteran flair to their roster Thursday.
Houston looks to continue its push toward its first playoff berth in 10 years Friday night against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Astros (57-45) had a .333 winning percentage from 2011-2013, losing 106-plus games each season. Last year wasn't much better at 70-92, but now they're reaping the benefits from high draft picks Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers and Carlos Correa.
Leading the Los Angeles Angels by two games in the AL West after sweeping them in three games, the Astros have staked their claim as contenders at the trade deadline for the first time in recent memory. Last week they acquired Scott Kazmir from Oakland, and Thursday they sent four prospects to Milwaukee for outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-hander Mike Fiers.
Gomez, a two-time All-Star signed through next season, has been limited to 74 games by injuries, but is still batting .262 with eight home runs and 20 doubles. Fiers is 5-9 with a 3.89 ERA and isn't a free agent until after 2019.
Both are expected to be in uniform.
"To be able to bring a player like Carlos Gomez into our organization in the prime of his career to complement a lot of great players we have out there right now means we're serious about doing some damage this year, and in the years to come," general manager Jeff Luhnow told MLB's official website.
Jason Castro hit a three-run walkoff homer with two outs in the ninth and Kazmir gave up three hits over 7 2-3 innings in Thursday's 3-0 win.
Arizona (49-51) has won a season high-tying five straight, also accomplished May 18-22. Its starting pitchers have posted a 1.64 ERA during this surge, and the team had 16 runs and 27 hits in its last two victories at Seattle.
Jake Lamb is 7 for 17 during the winning streak while Paul Goldschmidt is 7 for 18 with five walks. Goldschmidt has seven doubles and two homers during a 12-game hitting streak against Houston.
The Diamondbacks haven't won six in a row since a nine-game run Aug. 23-31, 2011.
Houston's Scott Feldman (4-5, 4.54 ERA) comes off his best start of the year, limiting Kansas City to one run and four hits over 7 2-3 innings, though he didn't record a decision in the 2-1 loss Saturday. He had given up four runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 7-6 loss to Texas a week earlier in his first start since undergoing knee surgery.
"I've been out for so long it felt like I was starting over almost, building my way back up," Feldman said of the procedure that had sidelined him since May 26. "I felt pretty good when I got activated. Hopefully I can build off of this one and try to continue to pitch deeper into games."
Feldman is 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA in four starts against Arizona.
The Diamondbacks counter with Rubby De La Rosa (8-5, 4.52), who is looking to win a third straight start for the first time in his career after two of his best outings of the season. He limited Miami and Milwaukee to a combined one run and nine hits over 15 innings.
He's given up 13 home runs in 55 1-3 road innings compared to nine over 70 at home, however. The Astros lead the majors with 141 home runs, and De La Rosa was trounced in two previous starts against them, allowing 11 runs over 8 2-3 innings.
Houston won three of four meetings last year.
- ARIZONA: 6
HOUSTON: 4
Final/10
Jul 31 11:53 PM - David Peralta singles to right field. Paul Goldschmidt to third. Cliff Pennington scores.
Diamondbacks 4, Astros 4 Top 7, 2 OutsJul 31 10:39 PM - D.Peralta singled to right, Pennington scored, Goldschmidt to third.
Diamondbacks 4, Astros 4 Top 7, 2 OutsJul 31 10:38 PM - Tomas grounded out, shortstop Correa to first baseman Ma.Gonzalez, W.Castillo scored.
Diamondbacks 3, Astros 4 Top 6, 2 OutsJul 31 10:16 PM - Yasmany Tomas grounds out to shortstop, Carlos Correa to Marwin Gonzalez. Welington Castillo scores.
Diamondbacks 3, Astros 4 Top 6, 2 OutsJul 31 10:16 PM - Lamb grounded out, shortstop Correa to first baseman Ma.Gonzalez, D.Peralta scored, W.Castillo to third.
Diamondbacks 2, Astros 4 Top 6, 1 OutJul 31 10:13 PM - Jake Lamb grounds out to second base, Carlos Correa to Marwin Gonzalez. Welington Castillo to third. David Peralta scores.
Diamondbacks 2, Astros 4 Top 6, 0 OutsJul 31 10:12 PM - J.Castro homered to left on a 1-0 count, Valbuena scored, Ma.Gonzalez scored.
Diamondbacks 1, Astros 3 Bot 5, 0 OutsJul 31 9:53 PM - Jason Castro homers to left field. Marwin Gonzalez scores. Luis Valbuena scores.
Diamondbacks 1, Astros 3 Bot 5, 0 OutsJul 31 9:52 PM - Tomas singled to center, W.Castillo scored, Lamb to third.
Diamondbacks 1, Astros 0 Top 2, 1 OutJul 31 8:40 PM - Yasmany Tomas singles to center field. Jake Lamb to third. Welington Castillo scores.
Diamondbacks 1, Astros 0 Top 2, 1 OutJul 31 8:39 PM - ARIZONA: 0
HOUSTON: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
Jul 31 8:12 PM - Ender Inciarte lines out to second base to Jose Altuve.
Jul 31 8:12 PM
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