Astros Pitcher Yusel Kikuchi Shines in Victory Over Rays
- The Houston Astros won their seventh consecutive game by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2.
- Alex Bregman and Jeremy Peña hit home runs during the game.
- The Astros are currently leading the AL West division in baseball.
Yusel Kikuchi delivered an impressive performance for the Houston Astros, allowing just one run and three hits over 5 2/3 innings, improving his record to 2-0 since joining the team from Toronto on July 29. The Astros faced the Tampa Bay Rays, who had recently suffered a heavy 15-1 defeat against the Detroit Tigers. Despite the Rays' struggles, they managed to load the bases in the eighth inning against Astros reliever Ryan Pressly, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Astros manager Joe Espada praised Pressly's physical condition, noting that he effectively navigated the challenging inning despite the pressure. Meanwhile, 21-year-old rookie Caminero, who had a minor injury scare after tangling with catcher Victor Caratini, expressed confidence in his performance, stating he felt good and maintained focus throughout the game. In a standout moment, Alex Bregman hit a solo home run, marking his fourth consecutive game with a homer, while Jeremy Peña also contributed with a solo shot, putting the Astros ahead 3-1. The Rays initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, thanks to José Caballero's aggressive base running, which turned a single into a double. Looking ahead, the Astros are optimistic about the return of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, who is set to throw 70 to 75 pitches in a minor league rehab start on Thursday, potentially rejoining the team next week.