CLEVELAND -- The Astros snapped a long road losing streak -- but they couldn’t make the pain stop.
Isaac Paredes homered twice, Christian Walker hit a two-run homer and Houston stopped its road slide at eight games Monday night with a 9-2 win over the Guardians in the opener of a three-game series.
Carlos Correa had three hits and drove in a pair of runs and Spencer Arrighetti (2-0) worked around four walks over five innings as the Astros improved to just 2-10 away from Houston this season. Walker snapped an 0-for-15 slump with his homer in the first inning.
But the much-needed win came at a cost as left fielder Taylor Trammell suffered a left groin injury while running the bases in the fourth inning.
Trammell’s injury is the most recent for the ailing Astros, who have been ravaged by medical issues this season. They’ve already placed 15 players on the injury list and Trammell could be on his way as well.
Trammell was lifted in the fourth inning for pinch-runner Cam Smith after he pulled up while breaking toward the plate on a bunt attempt. The left fielder shook his head in disgust as he headed toward Houston’s dugout.
After Isaac Paredes led off the inning with a home run to give the Astros a 3-2 lead, Trammell reached on an infield single. After advancing to second on a Yainer Diaz single and then to third on a Dustin Harris groundout, Trammell was leading off third when he broke toward the plate on Brice Matthews' bunt attempt. Trammell ran a few feet before pulling up, and he exited shortly after a brief visit from a trainer.
Smith replaced Trammell and scored on Matthews' subsequent double. Correa added an RBI single to cap a four-run inning for the Astros and provide a 6-2 lead. Smith took over in right field, while Matthews moved from left field to center. Harris shifted from right field to left.
The Astros’ issues have contributed to the team’s 9-15 start. Prior to Monday’s game, manager Joe Espada was upbeat while providing several injury updates and while hoping his team was finally finding some good health.
Trammell walked in his first plate appearance. He entered the series batting .321 with four RBIs.