David Murphy hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a tie as the Indians secured a 4-2 victory at Progressive Field on Wednesday night.
Tribe starter Trevor Bauer matched a career high with eight innings pitched, holding the Astros to two runs on six hits. He struck out nine and didn’t walk a batter. He had run up his pitch count to 58 by the third inning, but Bauer settled down, needing just 37 pitches to get through the next four innings.
“He was efficient and he had some quicker innings that maybe allowed him to reach back in some situations where he had to,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He pitched really well.”
Dan Straily, making his second start of the season, threw six quality innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out four.
“Usually, in a close game like this, it’s one big hit, it’s one big pitch, it’s one big defensive play,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “We saw a little bit of everything from both sides. They ended up having a big hit when they needed it the most.”
Cody Allen earned his 17th save of the season one night after being declared unavailable due to a sore lower back. He pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out one. He ranks second among American League relief pitchers with 58 strikeouts this season.
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