HOUSTON — The Houston Astros lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Wild Card round, leaving them one loss away from an early exit from the playoffs.
Framber Valdez started for Houston but couldn't get through the fifth inning. He gave up three runs in the second inning, the only runs of the game for the Tigers.
Tarik Skubal started for Detroit and tossed six shutout innings, earning the win.
The Astros mustered six singles, one double and two walks in the game. The Tigers only recorded two extra-base hits in the game -- both doubles -- but they also had eight singles and six walks. Both teams struck out 10 times.
Hector Neris, Bryan King, Roenel Blanco, Caleb Ferguson and Josh Hader all worked in relief for Houston, recording 14 outs without allowing a run.
Once Skubal was pulled from the game and the Tigers went to their bullpen, the Astros were still unable to do much damage. Will Vest, who went to Ridge Point High School, covered five outs (four strikeouts) between the seventh and eighth innings before Tyler Holton came on to get the last out of the eighth.
Jason Foley came on in the ninth and allowed three straight hits and a run before a sacrifice bunt ended his day.
Beau Brieske came on with runners on second and third and one out in the ninth inning. He got Victor Caritini to line out to left but then Chas McCormick walked to load the bases. Jason Heyward lined out to first to end the game.
Game 2 will be Wednesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have to win to stay alive in the best-of-three series. Hunter Brown was named the Game 2 starter for the Astros. It's unclear who Detroit will send to the hill in the possible clinching game.