The Astros beat the Guardians 9-3 Friday night at Daikin Park. A huge bounce back game for Tatsuya Imai, who struck out a career high 11 batters with zero walks. One week after getting rocked in Kansas City, this was a complete turnaround for the young right-hander.
The Astros struck first in the bottom of the first. Isaac Paredes singled to right, and Christian Walker scored when right fielder Kahlil Watson made a throwing error on the play, giving Houston an early cushion.
Travis Bazzana led off the third with a double and trouble started to build. Imai battled through it and settled in as the game went on. He finished with 11 strikeouts and zero walks, a career best for Imai and exactly the response the Astros needed to see.
Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve both had big days at the plate. Yordan Alvarez extended his on-base streak to 25 straight games. The Astros pulled away for a 9-3 win.
This is the Astros' ninth win in June and third straight win. Yainer Diaz caught Imai for the first time in his career. The two appeared to have instant chemistry behind the plate, which is a great sign for the rotation going forward. Spencer Arrighetti takes the mound today looking for his eighth win.
One week ago Imai couldn't survive a single inning in Kansas City. Friday he looked like a completely different pitcher, and the Astros will gladly take it. The Astros are gaining real momentum at the right time.
