Rays at Astros
The Tampa Bay Rays spoiled Houston's chances of establishing a new franchise-record winning streak and look to win the three-game series when they visit the Astros on Wednesday. Tampa Bay recorded a 2-1 victory on Tuesday to end Houston's streak at 12 games, which matches the franchise mark set in 1999 and equaled in 2004.
Wilson Ramos delivered the tiebreaking single in the eighth inning and C.J. Cron homered earlier in the contest as the Rays improved to 2-4 entering the finale of their seven-game road trip. Cron, who was hitless in 23 straight at-bats before the second-inning blast, struck out two times later in the contest and has whiffed 19 times over his last seven games. Houston recorded just five hits in its first setback since June 5 and left runners on first and second in the ninth inning. "Even after this loss, we're such a fun group that we'll show up (Wednesday) and guys will still be cracking jokes and having a lot of fun," Astros catcher Max Stassi told reporters after the loss. "We'll go out there and play hard. We'll be fine."
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 4.63 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (8-1, 2.94)
Eovaldi is making his fifth start since returning from the second Tommy John surgery of his career. The 28-year-old lost to the New York Yankees in his last turn, when he gave up five runs and eight hits over 7 1/3 innings. Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 2.52 ERA in four career starts against the Astros and has enjoyed success against Jose Altuve (2-for-12) and George Springer (0-for-6) while struggling with Josh Reddick (5-for-11).
Morton gave up three runs and four hits over six innings to beat Kansas City in his last turn and halt a three-start winless stretch. The 34-year-old has issued 10 walks over 9 2/3 frames in his last two outings after walking just six over his previous five starts. Morton is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in three career starts against the Rays and has experienced difficulties with Carlos Gomez (6-for-16, homer) and Ramos (5-for-13).
WALK-OFFS
1. Ramos is 7-for-18 with a homer and four RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.
2. Houston 3B Alex Bregman singled in the team's lone run on Tuesday and has reached base in 30 consecutive games.
3. Tampa Bay designated UTL Rob Refsnyder for assignment to open a roster spot for CF Kevin Kiermaier (thumb), who went 0-for-5 in his first game since April 15.