Astros rally to beat Dodgers 7-5 despite angry LA fans

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Bregman singled in the go-ahead run during a five-run ninth inning, and the Astros rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-5 under smoky skies Saturday night in Houston’s first visit since the infamous 2017 World Series.

The Dodgers blew a three-run lead in the ninth when closer Kenley Jansen (3-1) got knocked around, giving up four consecutive hits without an out.

Carlos Correa and Aledmys Diaz singled, Josh Reddick hit a two-run double and Martin Maldonado added another single. George Springer then grounded into a fielder's choice to third baseman Max Muncy, who committed an error while Reddick scored to tie the game at 5.

Bregman followed with a single to center that made it 6-5. Bregman scored on Yuri Gurriel's sacrifice fly to center off Adam Kolarek for a 7-5 lead.

The Astros improved to 7-17 on the road after coming in with losses in eight of their previous nine games.

Josh James (1-0) got the victory with 1 1/3 innings of relief. Ryan Pressly earned his ninth save.

The game lacked the fiery emotion of the teams’ matchup on July 29. But there were multiple reminders that Dodger fans haven’t forgotten the Astros’ cheating scandal from their championship three years ago.

A plane towed a banner reading “Houston Cheats Bang Bang” over the stadium.

Fans aren't allowed inside this season because of the coronavirus, but a group of Dodger supporters greeted the Astros' bus as it pulled in. They shook large plastic and metal garbage cans in the air, a reference to Houston's sign-stealing scheme that involved signaling pitches by banging on garbage cans.

“I loved it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “They have every right to do whatever they feel to express their feelings. Just shows the passion that Dodger...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Astros-rally-to-beat-Dodgers-7-5-despite-angry-LA-15563034.php