Astros Self-Destruct Again. Fall to Seattle 5-4

Jon Singleton (28) hits a two-run home run to right field against the Seattle Mariners

The Astros’ 2024 season has become a case study of all the different ways to lose a game. Today, they allowed the tying run to reach scoring position on a balk, followed the next inning by a game-winning home run against the $90 million “best closer” in baseball.

It could have been worse.

Hunter Brown had another rocky start but somehow managed to limit the damage to two runs in 4.1 innings pitched despite allowing five hits and four walks.

The two runs were both scored in the second inning, thanks to a hit by pitch, two walks, one of which scored a run, and an RBI single by Josh Rojas.

The Astros’ offense continued last night’s scoreless streak until the sixth inning when Kyle Tucker finally broke the drought with a two-run homer.

In the seventh inning, Jon Singleton followed suit with a two-run homer of his own, giving the Astros a 4-3 lead. He countered Luke Raley’s solo homer for Seattle in the top of the sixth. It was Singleton’s third home run in six games.

Brian Abreu was unable to hold the Astros lead in the eighth. First, he hit leadoff hitter Dylan Moore and then balked him to second. Luis Urias plunked a weal single to center, scoring Moore in a close play at home.

Josh Hader was the third Astro bullpen “ace” to fail to hold the Mariners, surrendering a solo home run to Cal Raleigh.

Another bullpen meltdown.

But eight hits and two walks, 0-4 with runners in scoring position, won’t cut it. Yordan Alvarez remains ice cold, hitting third, and now has a .250 BA. Alex Bregman is a microscopic hair above the Mendoza line at .202.

This game was a winnable Hunter Brown start, and you have to take those opportunities on the rare occasions they arise.

The suck continues.

Box Score HERE