Diamondbacks falter against the Astros
By Kyle Jacobs
Aug 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Hank Conger (16) celebrates with first baseman Chris Carter (23) , second baseman Jose Altuve (27), and shortstop Jed Lowrie (8) after hitting a slam home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Game Two:
Houston looked to avenge their heartbreaking, extra-inning loss from the previous night while Arizona was looking to win their seventh straight game.
The Diamondback offense had a tall task going against potential Cy Young candidate, Dallas Keuchel. Keuchel would get some run support in the first inning thanks to Carlos Correa. Correa cranked a solo shot to left field making it 1-0 right out of the gates.
Arizona responded by taking the lead in the second inning. Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled to center to earn an RBI and Ender Inciarte walked with the bases loaded to give the D-Backs a 2-1 advantage.
Hank Conger would blast a home run in the third inning for the Astros to tie the game and Houston would control the game from that point until the end.
The fourth inning was a back breaker for the Diamondbacks. Chris Carter drew a bases loaded walk to give Houston a one run lead and then Hank Conger stepped to the plate once again. The switch hitting catcher bombed a grand slam to right field to give the Astros a commanding lead, 7-2.
A two run home run by Correa in the sixth inning added even more insurance for the Astros and they would coast to victory from there. Keuchel went six innings strong with eight strikeouts and earned his 13th win of the season. Conversely, Jeremy Hellickson struggled for the D-Backs only going 3 and 1/3 innings and giving up six earned runs on seven hits.
Final score: Astros 9, D-Backs 2