Astros Seek Series Sweep Against Phillies with Strong Pitching

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Astros aim for a series sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, building on their strong pitching performance in a 2-0 victory on Wednesday.

Astros manager Joe Espada relied on his four left-handed relievers — Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa, Bryan King, and closer Josh Hader — to help rookie starter Colton Gordon secure the win. The Astros’ bullpen combined for 10 strikeouts while allowing only seven hits, all singles.

Despite facing a lineup with six right-handed batters, the Astros’ lefties remained effective. Sousa boasts a 1.57 ERA while Hader holds a 1.73 ERA this season. Okert and King have also been consistent, with ERAs of 2.52 and 2.97, respectively.

“In today’s game with the three-batter rule, you have to get righties and lefties out, and those guys have been really good for us the entire year,” Espada said. “I rely on those guys… We’re going to trust them, and I’m going to continue to give them the ball.”

Right-hander Hunter Brown, with an impressive 8-3 record and a 1.88 ERA, is set to start Thursday. He did not factor into the decision during the Astros’ 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels last Friday. Brown has now gone five consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or less.

Brown leads the American League in ERA, average hits per nine innings, and opponent batting average. He faced the Phillies once before, achieving 2 1/3 hitless innings of relief in a previous 10-0 victory.

On the opposing side, Phillies hurler Cristopher Sanchez, who has a 2.87 ERA, will take the mound for his first career appearance against the Astros. Sanchez is coming off a solid outing against the Miami Marlins, allowing just one run over eight innings.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson is adjusting his lineup dynamically, benching two right-handers in favor of left-handed hitters against Gordon.

“What pitches they have (matters),” Thomson said regarding platoon decisions. “It’s all based on the pitcher, and how they’re swinging the bat.”

As the Astros pursue the sweep, they hope to continue their strong performance against the Phillies.