Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros Match Player Stats On May 22, 2017

The Sports Xchange
May 22, 2017

HOUSTON -- Brad Peacock delivered a stirring effort while making a spot start, and Jose Altuve plated the only run with a first-inning hit, leading the Houston Astros to a 1-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night at Minute Maid Park.

Four Houston pitchers combined on a one-hitter, striking out 14 and walking two. Mikie Mahtook had the lone hit, a one-out single to left field in the third inning.

Peacock did not complete five innings and therefore was unable to pick up the victory. However, he was stellar during his 70-pitch outing, allowing one hit and two walks with eight strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

Right-hander Chris Devenski (3-2) worked 2 2/3 innings of perfect relief to notch the win.

Astros right-hander Ken Giles posted his 12th save with a perfect ninth inning.

Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer (5-2) was terrific in defeat, posting his ninth quality start in as many appearances while working seven strong innings. Fulmer allowed eight hits and one walk while posting four strikeouts for Detroit (21-22).

The first hit followed the lone walk, with Altuve lining a double into the left field corner to score George Springer, who reached via a leadoff walk. Springer was on the move when Altuve delivered his hit and scored with ease for the lead.

When the Astros (30-15) threatened Fulmer with two baserunners in the third inning, a two-out Marwin Gonzalez double in the fourth, and two more baserunners to lead off the seventh, he responded each time, including strikeouts of Alex Bregman and Springer to snuff the final challenge he encountered.

For Peacock, it was his first start since a five-start stretch last September, one that featured Peacock posting a 3.65 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings.

With Peacock having not tossed more than 39 pitches in any of his previous 13 relief appearances, efficiency would be paramount against the Tigers.

His first inning was optimal. Peacock struck out the side on just 12 pitches, flashing pinpoint control on his fastball and ample movement on his curve.

When Peacock returned for his second inning, he held the lead and proceeded to retire the side in order again, this time on grounder to the left side of the infield.

Miguel Cabrera reached via a walk with one out in the fourth, but on each occasion Peacock recovered to retire the next two batters.

When Peacock departed after walking Tyler Collins with one out in the fifth, the home crowd bathed him in applause, fully appreciative of his performance.

NOTES: The Astros selected RHP Jordan Jankowski to the major league roster. He will add another long reliever to the bullpen, one shortened with RHP Brad Peacock making a spot start on Monday. Houston cleared a spot on its 40-man roster by designating OF Andrew Aplin for assignment. ... The Tigers optioned veteran RHP Anibal Sanchez to Triple-A Toledo, per his wishes, so that he can resume working as a starter. Sanchez opened the season as a reliever and posted a 9.00 ERA in 11 games. He is in the final season of a five-year, $80 million contract. Detroit recalled RHP Warwick Saupold from Toledo. ... Tigers DH Victor Martinez returned from the paternity list after the birth of his daughter, Camila Victoria, last Friday in Florida. ... Tigers RF J.D. Martinez was named American League Player of the Week after slashing .389/.607/1.056 with four home runs, nine RBIs and 10 walks in six games.