League date: June 15, 2027
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Houston Astros erupted for five runs in the top of the ninth inning to stun the San Francisco Giants 5-2 at Candlestick Park, taking the first two games of the three-game series.
A stellar performance by Jack Flaherty was wasted after San Francisco’s bullpen was unable to protect his late lead.
Flaherty carried a 2-0 advantage into the ninth after throwing more than 100 pitches, but trouble began when Isaac Paredes led off with a single for Houston’s sixth hit of the game. Flaherty then issued a walk to Carlos Correa, prompting the Giants to turn to their bullpen.
The move backfired.
Reliever Sam Hentges surrendered back-to-back two-run doubles, suddenly turning San Francisco’s 2-0 lead into a 4-2 deficit. Houston added a third double later in the inning to bring home another run and complete the five-run outburst.
Flaherty’s gem was spoiled, although he avoided the loss. Hentges was charged with the defeat after failing to preserve the lead.
Tatsuya Imai started for Houston and worked 6⅔ innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out two. The Astros’ late rally took him off the hook for the loss. Tom Cosgrove earned the victory in relief before Josh Haderclosed out the ninth for his 25th save.
Both San Francisco runs came via the long ball. Bryce Eldridge homered in the third inning, and Christian Kossadded a solo shot in the seventh to give the Giants what appeared to be a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
AS IT STANDS…
Both clubs remain firmly in the postseason chase.
The Astros improved to 42-32 with their third consecutive victory, trimming the Seattle Mariners’ lead in the AL West to 3½ games.
The Giants fell to 41-32 and sit 4½ games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. San Francisco remains second in the NL Wild Card standings, one game behind the Cincinnati Reds.
