Lance McCullers pitched seven strong innings, Jake Marisnick homered and the Houston Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 Thursday night to tie a franchise record with their 11th straight road win.
McCullers (9-3) gave up three hits while striking out seven. The Astros have won his last six starts and have won 18 of 21 overall. Their latest win matched the club record set last May 14-June 5 on the way to winning the franchise’s first World Series title.
The Rays, who had won five straight overall and eight straight at home, had runners on first and third with none out in the eighth against reliever Chris Devenski, but Matt Duffy lined into a double play and Jake Bauers grounded out.
It was the Snap Dragon’s(Devenski) 12th straight scoreless appearance.
Hector Rondon pitched the ninth for his fifth save in seven opportunities. Rondon stranded a runner on second with two outs when he struck out Mallex Smith to end the game.
Marisnick’s homer in the fifth came off Ryan Yarbrough (7-4) and was his seventh of the season. It ended the Rays’ streak of 26 scoreless innings, the second-longest in franchise history. Jake is nearing the Mendoza line at the plate, something that seemed impossible the first few months of the season. If he can hit around the .240/.250 range, he could be one of the more valuable players on this team because of his speed on the bases, as well as his stellar defense in center field.
Tampa Bay “bullpen day” starter Ryne Stanek walked two and struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings before Yarbrough took over. The rookie left-hander pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits while striking out four.
Astros injury update: SS Carlos Correa missed a third straight game with a stiff back and will be placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday. Hopefully this will be a short stint.
First baseman Yuli Gurriel is on the paternity list but might return this weekend.