2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 11

Houston Astros 7, Washington Nationals 4

2014 Grapefruit League record: 5-6

W- Lucas Harrell (1-1)
L- Gio Gonzalez (0-1)

Astros home runs: Carlos Corporán (1, 2-run HR in 2nd)

As the old adage goes, one big inning can change the complexion of a baseball game. The Astros got a 5-spot in the 6th to blow this game open.

Starting Pitcher: Lucas Harrell

Lucas Harrell threw 4 fine innings as he is trying to stake his claim to a rotation spot. The Nationals' only run off of him came on a Bryce Harper groundout. The only hits they managed off of him were doubles.

Final line: W (1-1), 4 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K

Bullpen

Mike Foltynewicz was the first man out, and the only run he allowed was a solo homer to Steven Souza to lead off the 6th.

Josh Zeid also allowed a run in the 7th; his outing got a bit hairy, but he escaped a bases-loaded situation without suffering further damage.

Alex Sogard struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Josh Fields surrendered the Nationals' final run on a force play in the 9th.

Offense

After George Springer legged out an infield single in the 2nd, he stole 2nd base, then Carlos Corporán put the Astros on the board and gave them the lead with a 2-run homer.

They seized control in the 6th, as Corporán hit a 1-out double to get the assault going. He would score on a single from L.J. Hoes, who was lifted for Adron Chambers. After Gregorio Petit was hit by a pitch, Delino DeShields got on with a bunt single to load the bases. Jonathan Villar was next up, and he promptly cleared them with a double. After stealing 3rd, Villar came home with the Astros' final run of the evening on an RBI infield single from Japhet Amador.

Corporán and Petit both went 2-3. Corporán also had a multi-run game.

Three Stars

3.

Jonathan Villar, SS
1-3, 3-R 2B in 6th, SB (1)

2.

Lucas Harrell, RHP
W (1-1), 4 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K

1.

Carlos Corporán, C
2-3, 2B, 2-R HR (1), 2 R

Next Up

Next up is the home portion of this matchup against the Nationals. First pitch will be at 1:05 Eastern on Wednesday. Jerome Williams will make his first start of the spring after a couple of bullpen outings. He will be opposed by Jordan Zimmermann.