TAMPA, Fla. โ In a thrilling game, the Houston Astros secured a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, with Jake Meyers delivering a decisive home run and Josh Hader sealing the win by managing to hold off a tense ninth-inning threat.
Chandler Simpson initiated the ninth inning with a catcherโs interference against Hader. After advancing on a groundout, Simpson made it to third base with a successful steal. Hader, however, kept his cool and forced Taylor Wells to pop up a bunt. Isaac Paredes then popped out near third base, allowing Hader to secure his 12th save of the season without any misses.
Meyers, who had an impressive performance, went 2 for 3 and belted his third home run of the season off reliever Manuel Rodriguez on the second pitch, propelling the Astros into the lead in the seventh inning. Earlier in the game, Meyers had drawn a walk, stolen his eighth base of the season, and crossed home plate thanks to a Cam Smith double, contributing to a three-run first inning against Rays starter Ryan Pepiot.
Victor Caratini had opened the scoring for Houston with a solo home run, his third of the season, while Chas McCormick extended the teamโs lead with an RBI single. Meanwhile, Colton Gordon, a St. Petersburg native making his second-ever start, showcased his potential on the mound. He initially allowed a single to Yandy Dรญaz but then impressively retired 12 consecutive batters before Brandon Lowe singled in the fifth.
In the same inning, Danny Jansen brought the Rays back into contention with a two-run homer, his third of the year. Dรญaz and Josรฉ Caballero later hit consecutive doubles in the sixth to bring the game to a tie. By the time Gordon left the mound, he had given up three runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven.
Reliever Bryan King (2-0) claimed the win after successfully navigating a tricky seventh inning. Despite allowing a walk and a single, King responded by striking out both Taylor Walls and pinch-hitter Jonathan Aranda. Bryan Abreu then relieved King and forced Dรญaz into a groundout, closing the inning.
Ryan Pepiot, pitching for the Rays, gave up three runs on eight hits across his six innings of work. Despite their efforts, the Rays have been struggling at their temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field, holding an 11-18 record there compared to a more commendable 10-8 tally on the road.
As the series progresses, the Rays will start Zack Littell (3-5, 4.31 ERA) in Tuesdayโs middle game. The Astros have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the matchup.