Cody Anderson continued his historic stretch to begin a career and a sixth-inning rally provided him with enough run support to secure a win in the Indians’ 3-1 series finale victory over the Astros at Progressive Field on Thursday night.
Anderson (2-1, 0.89 ERA) allowed just one earned run on a third-inning home run by Hank Conger. The 24-year-old righty allowed three hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings, striking out one. He became the first pitcher since at least 1914 to begin a career with four consecutive starts of at least 6 2/3 innings while allowing one run or no runs in each.
“I think, obviously, his confidence is very high,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He’s been pitching really well regardless of what level. I think he trusts [Yan Gomes] or [Roberto Perez] or whoever’s catching. He seems to make pitches when he really needs to.”
The Astros’ Brett Oberholtzer (2-2, 4.46 ERA) was cruising through the first five innings, but ran into trouble with four consecutive extra-base hits to lead off the sixth inning. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits and three walks over five-plus innings, striking out three and allowing one home run.
“They put four extra-base hits in a row after Obie was really, really sharp at the beginning of the game,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “Back-to-back-to-back-to-back extra-base hits is going to score a few. To be honest with you, they just really held us and we didn’t do much offensively the last couple of games. After the first night, they really kept us in check.”
With the win, the Indians have won eight of their last 11 games and have pulled within three games of .500 for the first time since June 16. The Astros have lost five of their last six, but are 10 games above .500.
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