{"id":360653,"date":"2026-07-04T03:00:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T03:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/360653\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T03:00:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T03:00:29","slug":"houston-astros-bullpen-falters-bats-quiet-in-loss-to-tampa-bay-rays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/360653\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Astros: Bullpen falters, bats quiet in loss to Tampa Bay Rays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, right, celebrates with Christian Walker, left, after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays’ Nick Fortes (40) is congratulated by Jonathan Aranda after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays’ Nick Fortes runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins catches a fly ball hit by Houston Astros’ Taylor Trammell before throwing out Christian Walker at second base during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls fields a ground ball hit by Houston Astros’ Nick Allen during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Nick Allen, left, catches Tampa Bay Rays’ Jonny DeLuca (21) who was trying to steal second base as second base umpire Cory Blaser, top, looks to make the call during the second inning of a baseball game Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson fields a ground ball hit by Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez winds up to deliver during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Nick Allen, left, turns a double play after forcing out Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy D\u00edaz, right, at second base during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Victor Mesa Jr. signs autographs before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Griffin Jax throws a football in the outfield before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve signs autographs before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve signs autographs before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz works out before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz works out before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Tampa<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz signs autographs before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada hits drills before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier works out before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier works out before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pe\u00f1a participates in a fielding drill before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier looks on before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press<\/p>\n

Danger loomed between two left-handed hitters. Spencer Arrighetti had been strong for six economical innings, a bounce-back outing after a brutal June. In a tied game, though, with the middle of the Tampa Bay Rays lineup due up a third time, the Houston Astros turned to their bullpen for the seventh.
\u00a0
Manager Joe Espada summoned Steven Okert, the left-hander unscored upon in all but one of his last 17 appearances. Left-handed Jonathan Aranda struck out, bringing up maybe baseball\u2019s hottest hitter. Okert spun a sweeper. Junior Caminero gave it a jolt that untied the score.
\u00a0
Caminero\u2019s home run, the 10th in 10 games for the Rays third baseman, proved the decisive swing in a 3-1 loss for the Astros, who could not answer in the late innings or capitalize on Arrighetti\u2019s rebound. They were held to three hits Friday against the Rays, owners of the American League\u2019s best record.<\/p>\n

BACK TO MINORS: After a strong first impression, Miguel Ullola returns to Triple-A<\/a><\/p>\n

Houston\u2019s record dipped to 43-47 in the opener of a three-game series at Daikin Park against Tampa Bay, which has won nine games in a row to grow its lead atop the AL East. A solo home run by Yordan Alvarez comprised the Astros\u2019 offense in a taut game governed by pitching.
\u00a0
A scoreless tie reached the sixth inning. Both teams mustered one hit through the first five, with starters Arrighetti and Nick Martinez trading zeroes. Each right-hander paid for one pitch in the sixth.
\u00a0
Nick Fortes drove a sinker from Arrighetti off the signage in left-center field for a two-out home run that gave the Rays a short-lived lead. Alvarez erased it a half-inning later, arcing his AL-leading 27th home run of the season on a sinker from Martinez.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

FUTURES STAR: Xavier Neyens added to roster for All-Star event<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrighetti stood at 73 pitches after the sixth but did not return. Camerino crushed Okert\u2019s sweeper over the Crawford Boxes to put the Rays ahead. Fortes added a two-out RBI double in the eighth inning off of Enyel De Los Santos, who had allowed a one-out single to Ben Williamson.<\/p>\n

It was big insurance for the Rays, ensuring that Alvarez, due up third in the bottom of the eighth, would not hit as the tying run unless a hitter in front of him reached base. Neither did, and Alvarez scorched a 118.5 mph groundout to end the inning.<\/p>\n

After Martinez\u2019s exit, Rays relievers Kevin Kelly, Casey Legumina and Bryan Baker combined to retire the Astros\u2019 final 11 hitters in order.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Rebound from Arrighetti<\/p>\n

Arrighetti posted a 9.00 ERA in five starts in June. Friday, he closer resembled the form that garnered him American League pitcher of the month recognition in May.<\/p>\n

For five innings, Arrighetti faced the minimum. Yandy Diaz singled to open the first. Arrighetti erased him with a double-play grounder. A seven-pitch first inning set the tone for an efficient outing. Jonny DeLuca drew a one-out walk in the second. It was the only three-ball count all night for Arrighetti, who set down his next 12 batters in a row.<\/p>\n

Fortes broke the streak with two outs in the sixth. In a 2-1 count, Arrighetti threw a sinker in the middle of the zone to the Rays catcher and No. 9 hitter. Fortes sent it 391 feet to left-center field for his second home run of the season. Arrighetti broke Diaz\u2019s bat on a soft lineout to end the inning. He finished it at 73 pitches and did not return.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Arrighetti induced 10 whiffs from a Rays team with the lowest whiff rate in the majors, striking out four and walking one. He induced a 34% chase rate. Of the 14 batted balls the Rays put into play against him, just two had an exit velocity above 95 mph, the Statcast hard-hit threshold. Arrighetti threw more four-seamers and fewer curveballs than in previous outings, to effect.<\/p>\n

Some sharp defense backed Arrighetti. Cam Smith reached over the wall in foul ground to snare a fly ball from Ben Williamson in the third inning. Nick Allen made a neat backhand charging Cedric Mullins\u2019 slow chopper in the fifth. It helped Arrighetti pare his ERA to 3.81 through 78 innings. The quality start was his sixth in 14 outings.<\/p>\n

Tough matchup in Martinez<\/p>\n

Martinez entered with a 2.86 ERA in 16 starts, third-lowest among qualified AL pitchers. Like Arrighetti, he carried a shutout bid into the sixth inning. Like Arrighetti, he lost it on one swing.<\/p>\n

Houston did not manage a hit against Martinez until the fourth. Martinez retired 10 of 12 batters faced to begin his outing, the exceptions a hit batsman and an error. Astros hitters put 16 balls in play against him on the night that averaged just an 86.9 mph exit velocity.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Martinez issued his lone walk to Christian Walker in the fourth. Smith followed by lining a one-out single, then committed a miscue. Taylor Trammell flied out to medium-deep right-center. Smith tagged and was thrown out at second base by Mullins to end the inning.<\/p>\n

Walker would have stood at third with two outs. Instead, no Astro reached that territory until the sixth, when Alvarez blasted a sinker into the Houston bullpen. His 27th\u00a0home run of the season forged a short-lived tie. Isaac Paredes\u2019 infield single then chased Martinez at 85 pitches.<\/p>\n

Kevin Kelly replaced Martinez and induced a soft lineout by Walker and a grounder from Smith to strand Paredes and secure his starter\u2019s line. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Caminero crushing<\/p>\n

Caminero this week became the first player to officially commit to this year\u2019s Home Run Derby. The 23-year-old did so in the midst of a torrid stretch, going 14-for-36 with nine home runs across a nine-game stretch entering Friday.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

His blast off Okert was the 25th\u00a0of the season for Caminero. It tied Caminero with Byron Buxton of the Twins for second among AL hitters, trailing only Alvarez.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360654,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[56,58,57],"class_list":["post-360653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston","tag-houston","tag-houston-headlines","tag-houston-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=360653"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360653\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=360653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=360653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=360653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}