Astros 4, Diamondbacks 1
HOUSTON -- Right-hander Collin McHugh earned his fourth consecutive win and the Houston Astros secured yet another home series victory by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 in the rubber match of their interleague series on Sunday at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros (60-46) have won or split nine consecutive home series and are 14-2 over their last 16 games at Minute Maid Park. Houston moved a season-high 14 games over .500 for the third time this season, riding McHugh for seven strong innings.
Left fielder Evan Gattis bashed his 17th home run of the season off Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray (3-6) leading off the fifth inning, an opposite-field shot that capped the scoring on the afternoon.
Houston manufactured its first run when a pair of sacrifices drove home third baseman Jed Lowrie, who opened the second inning with a double.
Astros center fielder Carlos Gomez delivered a two-out, two-strike two-run single off Ray in the fourth to break a 1-1 tie and record his first RBIs with the Astros. Gomez capped his first series in Houston 4-for-14.
McHugh (13-5) weaved in and out of trouble after surrendering consecutive doubles and falling behind 1-0 in the second inning. The second double came off the bat of Arizona first baseman Jake Lamb and plated catcher Wellington Castillo (2-for-4). McHugh stranded six baserunners over his final four innings, three in scoring position.
Diamondbacks right fielder Yasmany Tomas twice struck out with runners in scoring position to snuff out threats, including in the seventh when McHugh concluded his outing with his 100th pitch.
McHugh allowed one run on eight hits and one walk with six strikeouts. Ray lasted five innings for the Diamondbacks (50-53), surrendering four runs on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Astros right-hander Luke Gregerson notched his 22nd save.
NOTES: Diamondbacks RF Yasmany Tomas was back in the lineup Sunday after being pulled in the sixth inning on Saturday night for failing to run out a ground ball. Tomas and Arizona manager Chip Hale expressed differing opinions on what constituted hustling regarding a grounder to first base, but the matter was settled and Tomas batted second in the series finale. ... Astros RHP Mike Fiers was activated and threw a bullpen session supervised by pitching coach Brent Strom. Fiers, who throws a four-seam fastball, changeup, curveball and cutter, will make his Astros debut on Tuesday night against the Rangers. ... Diamondbacks 2B Chris Owings was not in the starting lineup, a byproduct of an extended slump. Owings is batting .189/.211/.270 over the last 11 games, a stretch that started following his last multi-hit game on July 20 against the Marlins.