Odorizzi solid, Correa homers as Astros down sinking Indians

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jake Odorizzi controlled Cleveland's hitters for six innings, Carlos Correa homered and the Houston Astros didn't miss a beat despite being down a couple stars in a 3-2 win on Saturday night over the banged-up Indians, who have lost a season-high five straight.

Odorizzi (3-3) allowed one earned run and four hits while pitching into the seventh. The right-hander has only allowed two runs over 20 innings in his last four starts.

Houston's bullpen, which has been shaky for much of the season, came through. Ryne Stanek and Cristian Javier worked an inning apiece before Ryan Pressly pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 14th save in 15 chances.

Correa connected for his 16th homer in the fourth off rookie Eli Morgan (1-3) and Abraham Toro added his third in the inning as the Astros improved to 32-16 against teams with a .500-or-better record — baseball’s best such mark.

Houston was at less than full strength as manager Dusty Baker rested second baseman José Altuve and outfielder Michael Brantley, the AL’s leading hitter, was scratched late with right side discomfort.

Cleveland didn't have star third baseman José Ramírez. He missed his second game in a row with a sore left elbow.

The Indians stranded 15 runners — their most in a nine-inning game since 2012 — on Friday but finally got the clutch they've been needing in the seventh when Harold Ramirez doubled home Eddie Rosario, who led off with a double to pull within 3-2.

That hit chased Odorizzi, who threw a season-high 91 pitches, and the Astros brought in reliever Ryne Stanek. He prevented the Indians from tying it with two strikeouts and third baseman Toro made a nice pick on an infield grounder to throw out rookie Ernie Clement.

Morgan was the third consecutive rookie to start in this four-game series for the...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Odorizzi-solid-Correa-homers-as-Astros-down-16292364.php