Framber Valdez’s strong start helps Astros sweep Orioles

HOUSTON – With the way they dominated the Orioles this weekend at Minute Maid Park, the Astros let the rest of the American League know that they’re not quite ready to give up their heavyweight status in the league. league.

The surging Astros got seven solid innings from starting pitcher Framber Valdez and four hits from third baseman Alex Bregman to beat the Orioles, 8-1, Sunday afternoon and complete an impressive three-game sweep over a team that is rarely swept. It was only the second time Baltimore had been swept in its last 116 series.

“They’re a great ball club and they have a great pitching staff, but we swung the bat really well today and throughout the Series,” said Bregman, who was 12 in 26 in his last six games. “I’m very proud of the guys’ effort and preparation, and we need to keep this momentum going.”

Houston has won five straight games without star slugger Kyle Tucker, who is on the injured list with a bruised right shin, and at 38-40 has put itself in position to hit .500 by the end of his stay at home, which ends with games against Colorado. Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I feel like energy has been the key, focus has been the key and just showing up with good vibes and coming out to play,” said shortstop Jeremy Peña, who had three hits and three RBIs.

The energy improved with the daily presence of rookie Joey Loperfido and versatile Mauricio Dubón, and manager Joe Espada praised the club’s attention to negotiation. On Sunday, Dubón had a sacrifice fly of his own and Yainer Diaz shortened his swing and got two sac flies – the kind of little things that are overshadowed by hits and home runs.

The Astros also had their share and outscored the Orioles, 27-13, during the series without making an error. They were 11 for 31 (.355) with runners in scoring position.

“It’s Astros baseball,” Espada said. “That’s what we expect from our team. Energy, attention to detail, play on the bases, defensive end, pitching, tone set — (Jose) Altuve from No. 1 field with a home run. We did so many things so well. It was the series we needed as a club heading into the off day.

After winning a 14-11 battle against the Orioles on Friday despite giving up 18 hits, Houston held Baltimore’s heavyweight offense to two total runs Saturday and Sunday behind starters Ronel Blanco and Valdez, who each allowed one run in seven innings of work. Valdez (6-5) allowed six hits and two walks and struck out seven batters.

“It wasn’t our best,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “The first night was weird, and then we just got beat the last two by two starters who were throwing the ball really well. Blanco was really good yesterday, and then Valdez was throwing sinkers at 94 mph and we kept throwing the ball at him. ball in the ground. Give him credit, I thought he threw it really, really well.

The Astros got all the offense they needed in the first by scoring four times against Orioles starter Albert Suárez, sending nine batters to the plate. Altuve clubbed Suárez’s first pitch over the left field wall for his 38th career home run, and Diaz, Peña and Dubón added RBI hits. Suárez threw 18 strikes on 22 pitches in the first inning, Houston hitters managed 15 without missing.

“There was intention behind every grip, every swing, every strike,” Espada said. “The game plan was there. We didn’t give up. This is our offense. It’s a dynamic offense that can beat you in different ways, and we showed that against a very good team.

Peña added a two-run double in the sixth for the Astros, who earned their first sweep of the series against a team with a winning record this year. They have cut the Mariners’ lead in the AL West by four games over the past five days and are six games behind in the division heading into the midseason.

“I think we can use this series as a trampoline and build momentum,” Espada said. “You can’t get comfortable after beating a team like Baltimore. We have to keep going, and I’m sure these guys are ready to go.