Javier stifles D-backs in encouraging start for Astros' rotation
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HOUSTON -- The Astros are desperately seeking consistent starting pitching beyond Hunter Brown, Hayden Wesneski and Peter Lambert. Could veteran right-hander Cristian Javier be the man for the job?
Javier flashed some of his best stuff since returning from Tommy John surgery 13 months ago, holding the Diamondbacks to one hit -- a homer -- while striking out eight batters in five innings to send the Astros to a 3-1 victory in the series opener Friday night at Daikin Park.
The Astros (73-69) improved to a season-high four games over .500 with their seventh win in their past nine games and third in a row.
Josh Hader locked down his 250th career save by striking out the side in the ninth.
Javier (2-5) had a 5.79 ERA in 23 1/3 innings in August, which covered four starts and one relief appearance, but had his hit-and-miss stuff working Friday. He had 19 whiffs, which was his most since his elbow surgery. He threw 47 of 79 pitches for strikes, walking three and giving up five hits, including a homer to Gabriel Moreno in the fourth.
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The Astros scored three times in the third inning. Yainer Diaz slammed his 11th homer of the season off Merrill Kelly, Issac Paredes had an RBI double and Jose Altuve’s sacrifice fly scored Yordan Alvarez to put Houston ahead, 3-0.