HOUSTON – Reliever JT Chargois walked two bases loaded in the ninth inning, allowing the Houston Astros to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.
The Astros got closer to the goal of guaranteeing their playoff berth. They could be crowned in the AL West for the fourth time in five years.
Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve hit solo homers for the Astros, who rallied for the win.
The Rays took the lead 3-2 when Randy Arozarena hit a solo homer off Phil Maton (5-0) with one out in the ninth inning.
Cuban Yordan Alvarez hit a single off Josh Fleming to start Houston’s ninth inning, and was replaced by pinch-hitter Jose Siri. Puerto Rican Carlos Correa reached base on a selection play with a powerful grounder to second baseman Brandon Lowe.
Originally, he was called out, but the Astros challenged the umpires’ decision, which was reversed.
Kyle Tucker hit a groundout before the Rays intentionally walked Cuban Diaz and packed the house. Chargois arrived and walked Chas McCormick to tie the score.
Another walk, pinch-hitter Jason Castro, gave the Astros the victory.
For the Rays, the Cubans Yandy Díaz 3-1 with a run scored and two RBIs, Randy Arozarena 4-1 with a run scored and an RBI. The Dominicans Wander Franco 3-0, Nelson Cruz 4-0.
For the Astros, Venezuelan José Altuve 4-1 with a run scored and an RBI. The Cubans Yuli Gurriel 3-1, Yordan Álvarez 4-1, Díaz 3-0. The Dominican Siri without an official turn but with an annotated one. Puerto Ricans Correa 3-1 with a run scored. Martín Maldonado 3-0.
.