Hays homers in 5-run 9th to lift Orioles over Astros 9-7

HOUSTON (AP) — Austin Hays hit a tiebreaking two-run homer during Baltimore’s five-run ninth inning, helping the Orioles top the Houston Astros 9-7 on Monday night.

Cedric Mullins opened the ninth with his third single for Baltimore. Hays then connected for his seventh homer, sending a drive to left against Brandon Bielak (2-3). Pedro Severino added a two-run double and scored on Ramon Urias' two-out double.

Houston got three back in the bottom half, scoring on RBI singles for Myles Straw and Robel Garcia before Jose Altuve delivered a sacrifice fly. But Adam Plutko got Michael Brantley to fly out to left, earning his first save.

The Orioles rallied for the win on a night when their pitchers struggled with command. They issued 10 walks, including three with the bases loaded.

Rookie Ryan Mountcastle homered and drove in three runs for Baltimore. Paul Fry (2-2) surrendered three runs in 1 1/3 innings, but got the win.

The Orioles looked better Monday than they did last week when the Astros outscored them 26-3 in a three-game sweep in Baltimore.

They’ve had a tough time in Houston in recent years. Monday was only the second time the Orioles had won at Minute Maid Park in 13 games since 2016.

The Astros, who entered the game leading the majors in runs, hits and batting average, struggled to string much together, going 2 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

Houston starter Zack Greinke allowed eight hits and three runs in five innings.

Orioles starter Thomas Eshelman, who allowed six runs in four innings in a loss to Houston last week, permitted five hits and two runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Baltimore grabbed a 3-2 lead on Mountcastle's two-run homer off Greinke in the fifth. It was his 14th of the season.

The Orioles added a run in the seventh when Hays scored on Ryan...

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