Houston Astros Take Down New York Mets; Win 3-1

Here we are…

There are two games left into the season before the Houston Astros clean out their lockers and try again next season to get better than ever before.

Their last season series, a roadie and a three-game set, commenced last night at the regal Citi Field to face the New York Mets.

The team stayed on top of things for the most part and made sure they stayed in the game.

The Mets are pretty much in the same situation that the Astros are in but they have had some impressive wins over the last month against some quality teams such as the Oakland A’s, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals.

Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Houston Astros center fielder

Dexter Fowler

(21) reacts after being hit by a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams are pretty much looking forward toward next year as they unconsciously play these final games out before the close of the season.

Jose Altuve was able to get Hit No. 223 on the season to cement himself as the hitting champion of major league baseball.

Let’s get to it…

The first few innings involved both teams playing an impromptu game of chicken seeing who would screw up first to allow themselves to get in position to win.

It was a series of ground outs, line outs and strike outs, including an incredible steal made by Dexter Fowler at the top of the 2nd inning. He was originally called out but Tom Lawless challenged the play and won. This was with Jonathan Villar at-bat.

Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher

Brad Peacock

(41) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

At the bottom of the 4th, Curtis Granderson solo-homered to right.

Mets 1, Astros 0

The defense tightened up on both ends with a large amount of substitutions and things held together until…

The 6th Inning.

That was the turning point where the Astros did all of their damage to the Mets and they took the lead for good.

At the top of the 6th, Altuve singled to right scoring Robbie Grossman. Grossman had previously doubled to right to get himself on-base. Astros 1, Mets 1

Later in the frame, Chris Carter doubled to left scoring Altuve. Altuve was able to beat the tag off a catch error by Anthony Recker when Eric Young Jr. threw to Wilmer Flores to try to get him out. Astros 2, Mets 1

But the Astros work wasn’t done…

Also in the same inning, Matt Dominguez singled to right scoring Carter causing a heck of a frenzy. Dexter Fowler was able to advance to 3rd base but Dominguez was called out at 2nd after trying to go for the double. It’s good to see Matty D make some offensive plays because he has been abysmal at best on that front.

Final Score: Astros 3, Mets 1

Little offense was conjured up after that inning with the Mets just not having enough to overcome the Astros lead.

They honestly didn’t have to because these guys were playing for pride with no postseason chances at stake…

Seven Astros players — Grossman, Altuve, Carter, Fowler, Dominguez, Jake Marisnick and Gregorio Petit — were able to collect at least one hit each.

Grossman and Carter were able to eke out a double each.

Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher

Chad Qualls

(50) celebrates with catcher

Carlos Corporan

(22) after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Peacock pitched quite well for the time he was in allowing only four hits, one earned run, two walks, fanning seven in 4.2 innings of work.

The bullpen did a solid job — they allowed only one hit, one walk and struck out three.

Peacock got the no-decision, Kevin Chapman got the win, Jorge De Leon and Tony Sipp got credited with the hold. Chad Qualls was able to notch his 19th save of season under his belt.