Zack Wheeler's masterpiece silenced the Astros on June 25, as the Phillies secured a 3-2 win despite a Jose Altuve homer. Read how Wheeler ended the streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic pitcher's duel at Daikin Park on Wednesday, but unfortunately for the Houston Astros, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler had the final say. Despite a valiant effort from starter Colton Gordon and another home run from the scorching-hot Jose Altuve, the Astros' offense couldn't solve Wheeler, ultimately falling 3-2 in a nail-biter that snapped their two-game win streak.
'We just have to keep grinding. We know what we're capable of.' - Jose Altuve
The game was a tense affair from the start. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler was in command, carving through the Astros' lineup for seven innings while allowing just two runs and striking out eight. Houston's own Colton Gordon pitched well, surrendering three runs over six innings in a performance that would win on most nights. The Astros' offense came from its biggest stars, with Jose Altuve launching a solo shot for his 12th homer of the year and Yordan Alvarez driving in the other run with a double. Houston mounted a classic ninth-inning threat, putting two runners on base, but Phillies closer José Alvarado slammed the door by striking out Jeremy Peña to end the game.
The lone bright spot in the loss was the continued dominance of Jose Altuve. His third-inning home run extended his hitting streak to a blistering 11 games. During this stretch, the Astros' second baseman is batting an incredible .389 with four homers and 11 RBIs. His performance on the field is matched by his leadership off it, as he discussed on MLB Network's 'Clubhouse Confidential' before the game. 'I just try to set the tone every day and help the young guys,' Altuve said, a sentiment he echoed postgame by emphasizing the team's need to 'keep grinding.'
Before the game, the Astros made a move to bolster their bullpen, recalling right-hander Shawn Dubin from Triple-A Sugar Land and optioning lefty Parker Mushinski. 'We need some fresh arms with the stretch of close games,' manager Joe Espada explained. While Dubin didn't pitch Wednesday, the move highlights the front office's focus on immediate needs. Meanwhile, the future continues to look bright down on the farm. Top prospect Jacob Melton crushed his 14th home run for Sugar Land, with farm director Sara Goodrum noting that his 'power and plate discipline have really taken a step forward.'
Despite the loss, the team's focus remains sharp. Manager Joe Espada emphasized the importance of every game in a crowded AL West, stating, 'We know the division is tight. Every game matters, and our guys are locked in.' That resilient mindset was echoed by Yordan Alvarez on Instagram, who posted 'Tough one tonight, but we’ll bounce back.' It was a busy day off the field as well, as the team hosted a Juneteenth celebration at Daikin Park, with players like Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez participating in a youth clinic, strengthening their bond with the Houston community.
While the loss stings, it was a hard-fought battle against one of the league's best pitchers. With Altuve leading the charge and the team's focus firmly on the tight AL West race, the Astros have every reason to be confident. As Yordan Alvarez said, they're ready for tomorrow. Look for Houston to come out swinging in the series finale, aiming to prove that this setback was just a bump in the road.
