Chas McComick and Martin Maldonado hit back-to-back homers, while Luis Garcia pitched seven powerful innings, as the Houston Astros beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Friday.
Houston stretched its winning streak to five, its longest this season.
McCormick’s two-run homer to center field in the second inning gave the Astros a 2-1 lead. Maldonado followed with a solo homer that sent the ball just over the right field wall.
Venezuelan García (2-1) made his best start of the season, allowing two runs – one earned – and two hits. He struck out nine, matching his career best. His righty retired the last 15 of his opponents, including five in a row by way of strikeout at one point.
Phil Maton finished the eighth to perfection, and Rafael Montero retired all three batters he faced in the ninth inning for his third save. Astros pitchers retired the last 21 Detroit batters.
For the Tigres, Puerto Ricans Javier Báez 4-1, Willi Castro 3-0. Venezuelans Miguel Cabrera 4-0, Harold Castro 4-1 with a run scored. The Dominican Jeimer Candelario 4-0 with an RBI.
For the Astros, the Venezuelan José Altuve 3-2. Cubans Yordan Álvarez 3-0, Yuli Gurriel 4-0. The Dominican Jeremy Peña 4-1 with a run scored. Puerto Rican Maldonado 3-1 with one scored and one produced.