Tucker's Grand Slam, Greinke's Gem Lead Astros Over Angels
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kyle Tucker hit his first career grand slam, Zack Greinke pitched two-hit ball over seven scoreless innings and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 Friday night.
Tucker accounted for all of Houston's runs in the fourth inning when he drove the first pitch of the at-bat from Patrick Sandoval (3-6) into the stands in right-center field for his 22nd home run of the season. Ten of Tucker's 35 career homers have come against the Angels.
Greinke (11-3) is the third AL pitcher to reach at least 11 wins and has victories in all three of his starts against the Angels this year. The right-hander struck out seven and finished his outing by retiring his last 14 hitters.
Los Angeles scratched a run across in the eighth when Shohei Ohtani beat the shift for an RBI single.
Houston's Ryan Pressley worked the ninth for his 19th save.
Sandoval allowed one hit through the first three innings before the Astros pounced in the fourth. Carlos Correa and Yordan Alvarez drew walks before Aledmys Díaz blooped a single into shallow center to load the bases.
Tucker then connected on Sandoval's slider for the Astros' sixth grand slam of the season, tied for fifth in the majors. Tucker's 18 RBIs with the bases loaded are tied for third in the majors.
The Angels have also allowed six grand slams, tied for fifth-most in the majors, including two in the last three games.
Sandoval went 4 2/3 innings and gave up five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Astros: 1B Yuli Gurriel (neck stiffness) was eligible to be activated off the 10-day injured list on Friday but is still considered day-to-day. Manager Dusty Baker said it remains possible Gurriel could return to the lineup Saturday. ... RHP José Urquidy (right shoulder discomfort) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in Florida on Saturday, but that could be pushed back due to weather.
Angels: C Max Stassi was in the lineup after missing Thursday's game. He left during the sixth inning Wednesday after being hit by a pitch in the left forearm. ... RHP Alex Cobb (right wrist inflammation) has not resumed throwing and is unlikely to return until late August.
UP NEXT
Los Angeles RHP Jaime Barria (2-0, 4.21 ERA) has a 2.29 ERA and 12 strikeouts in three starts this season. He will face Houston RHP Luis Garcia (8-6, 3.29 ERA), who is 2-1 since the All-Star break.
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