Keuchel wins 20th, Astros set runs record, rout D-backs 21-5

“What a game. We haven’t had a game like that in a long time”.

Right fielder George Springer, shortstop Carlos Correa, center fielder Colby Rasmus and third baseman Luis Valbuena homered for the Astros (85-75), who set a franchise record for runs in a nine-inning game. “We got on them early”.

Houston enters play Saturday one game ahead of the Los Angeles Angels and two up on Minnesota for the second wild-card spot in the AL, and can still force a one-game playoff with first-place Texas for the West crown.

In case of a play-in game for the wild-card berth, Houston would travel to Minnesota if it’s the Twins; the Astros would be home if it’s the Angels. He went 3-for-4 with four runs scored and four RBIs. McHugh is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two career starts against the Diamondbacks, including a victory August. 2 when he gave up one run and eight hits in seven innings.Hellickson has lost three straight starts and takes a final attempt at reaching double digits in victories for the fourth time in his career. “Our main accomplishment hasn’t been accomplished yet”.

Only time will tell if O’Brien can translate those impressive minor league numbers to the big show, but if Friday’s small sampling was any indication, it’s that O’Brien is more than up to the task. With a 2.48 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 232 innings, he remains right in the thick of the Cy Young race.

“It’s nice to get a win”, Keuchel said, “and it’s nice to be appreciated, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do”. He struck out three and walked two. Houston has won five of its last six games and sends right-hander Collin McHugh to the mound, who is 5-0 over his last six starts while being a strong complement to 20-game victor Dallas Keuchel.

In the top of the second frame, Springer hit a solo home run and third baseman Luis Valbuena hit a double to left field and Rasmus scored on a throwing error to make it 5-0.

“We’ve gone full circle”, manager A.J. Hinch said, per Nightengale. “That is just the way the game is. They are playing really well right now and we just couldn’t match the intensity today”.

Astros: OF Carlos Gomez sat out with sore ribs. Including Friday night’s drubbing, the Astros have won five of their last six games and are finally getting their mojo back. OF David Peralta injured his right wrist diving for a ball Thursday night.

Diamondbacks: OF Ender Inciarte was out of the lineup after hitting a ball off his shin Thursday night.