American League Game Summary - Cleveland at Houston
Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Jose Altuve drove in two runs and Collin McHugh was solid over 6 2/3 innings as the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Indians, 3-1, in the opener of a four-game set on Monday.
Altuve finished 3-for-4 with a triple and a run scored and Dexter Fowler drove in a run for the Astros, who have won their last two games.
McHugh (10-9) gave up just one unearned run on five hits with no walks and seven strikeouts to earn his sixth straight winning decision. The right-hander did, however, leave the game with a left forearm contusion.
"Overall today it was a battle," McHugh said. "Overall it is a great team victory."
Michael Brantley had two hits and Carlos Santana brought in the lone run for Cleveland, which have dropped its last four games.
Zach McAllister (3-7) was tagged with the loss after giving up two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts across six frames.
"I felt good," McAllister said. "I was happy the way I was able to get early strikes."
Michael Bourn reached second to start the game after first baseman Marc Krauss missed a catch at first. Jose Ramirez's sacrifice bunt moved Bourn to third before Santana's single to right gave the Indians an early 1-0 lead.
The Astros went ahead in the third. Gregorio Petit hit a single and Robbie Grossman doubled to place runners on second and third with one out. Altuve's grounder up the middle brought them both around for a 2-1 edge.
Altuve tripled to start the bottom of the eighth and came home on Fowler's sacrifice fly.
Chad Qualls tossed a scoreless ninth for his 18th save of the season.
HEADLINES
- Betts laments defensive issues at SS: 'It's been not very good'
- Nelly helps Cardinals honor 'The Lou' with red City Connect uniforms
- 'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with Cubs
- Yankees' Rodón: New York 'doesn't feel overwhelming anymore'
- Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indy 500 field in Corvette pace car