Houston Astros Drop Another Lucas Harrell Start

Apr 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CA; Houston Astros manager Bo Porter (L) relieves starting pitcher Lucas Harrell (64) during the fifth inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Lucas Harrellpitches, the Houston Astros lose. That’s been a theme for over a year now and it’s only a matter of time before it ends. It’s either going to end because Harrell will improve or because he himself will be gone. One way or another it needs to end.

The Blue Jays jumped on Harrell early putting up two runs in the first inning.Jose Bautistadoubled in the first run, andAdam Lindsingled against the shift for the second run. That promptedEduardo Perez, former Astros coach and current ESPN color analyst, to say, “I get the shifting, but not when Lucas Harrell is on the mound. It affects him mentally.” Could it be that Jeff Luhnow and/orBo Porterdon’t care and prefer to go with the shifts anyway? We know Harrell spoke out against shifting last season. It’s an interesting side story to monitor.

The Blue Jays got another three runs in the fifth inning via aMatt Dominguezerror. With runners on second and third and one out, the Astros elected to Adam Lind to get toDioner Navarro. Harrell induced the groundball to Dominguez but he airmailed the throw overJose Altuvewhich brought in two runs.Jerome Williamstook over to get the final two outs in the inning.

The Astros did strike back the next half inning thanks to aAlex Presleytwo-run home run, his second of the season. Jose Altuve tripled later in the inning and scored on aChris Cartergroundout.

It was the second straight night the Astros picked off a baserunner. Jerome Williams picked offRyan Goins, who appeared to be safe on replay. Blue Jays manager,John Gibbonscame out of the dugout to argue, but decided not to challenge the ruling on the field. It was an interesting choice and one that may have cost the Blue Jays even more runs.

Following the pickoff,Maicer Izturiswalked and Jose Bautista reached on another Matt Dominguez error (this time a tougher play but one he still should have made), leaving it first and second with two outs.Edwin Encarnacionwas up to bat and after Jerome Williams turned it into a 2-2 count, he called over to the Astros dugout to come out of the game due to injury.Josh Zeidcame into the game and threw an 86MPH breaking ball for strike three.

Brett Lawriecontinued the Blue Jays scoring with a two-run home run against Zeid in the seventh inning. Zeid settled down afterwards and finished the game allowing 3 hits and 2 ER while striking out 3 in 2.1 innings.

Lucas Harrell struggled in today’s outing, allowing 7 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), and 3 walks while only striking out 2 batters. He finished throwing 107 pitches, only 59 of them for strikes. There is no update on Jerome Williams who left the game after throwing 1.1 scoreless innings.

Astros/Blue Jays Box Score and Highlights

The Astros will try to salvage the final game of the series tomorrow asDallas Keucheltakes the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 6:07 PM and can be seen on CSN Houston.

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