Luis Severino, New York Offense Both Struggle In The Finale In Houston

It was not an easy an easy game Sunday for the New York pitcher Luis Severino or the offense that was supposed to be backing him up which made for a rough outing as New York got routed by Houston. 

Marwin Gonzalez tagged Yankees starter  Luis Severino with a two-run homer in the second to ignite the Astros as Houston cruised, 8-1, on Sunday at Minute Maid Park to clinch its 19th series win in 2017. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

"We're going to play every game," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. "We're going to play hard, we're going to win a lot of games and a lot of series. What order they come in doesn't matter to me. I just want to win." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

The Astros' 27th win in 45 home games this season saw Mike Fiers become the first starting pitcher since 1913 to throw 100 or more pitches and four innings or fewer without allowing a run. At 56-27, the Astros are 29 games over .500 for the first time since holding a 91-62 record on Sept. 27 of the 2001 season. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

"This is a special group of guys," Hinch said. "But they're not satisfied. They have so many elite qualities about themselves as a group." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

"We're talented, we're hungry and we want to be great," said Astros catcher Brian Mccann  "We show up with that attitude on a daily basis. Besides that, we've got some guys that can flat-out play the game of baseball." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

Add in five innings from Houston's workhorse bullpen, and a season-high seven doubles from the offense, and it was enough to handle the Yankees, who finished their seven-game road trip at 3-4. Severino allowed six runs over 5 1/3 innings. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

"It's difficult. Right now, it's the hottest team in baseball," Severino said. "You have to command your pitches. I think that was the problem." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

Carlos Correa sparked the Astros with four hits, including two doubles, to extend his season-best hitting streak to 12 games and career-long on-base streak to 20 games. Correa, who drove in three runs, has 58 RBIs to lead all Astros and all American League shortstops. Correa had four hits Sunday, which tied his career high, and three two-outs RBIs. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

"He's gotten really good at being productive and driving in runs," Hinch said, "and having big at-bats in big moments." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

Correa and Yuli Gurriel , who also hit a two-run homer and finished a triple shy of the cycle, combined to drive in five runs. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

Chris Carter's  ninth-inning RBI single off Ashur Toliver  helped the Yankees avoid being shut out for the first time this season. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

Veteran left fielder Brett Gardner had this to say after New York was defeated by Houston. Nobody is as disappointed in the way the last few weeks have gone than the guys in this room," That being said, we're only a couple of games out of first place. We have had a good first half. We just couldn't seem to come through with the big hit. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/239866394/astros-beat-yankees-to-secure-series-win/

New York drops to 43-37 and is now 3.0 games back in the American League East of their rival Boston while Houston improves to 56-27 on the season. New York now returns to Yankee Stadium to open up a three -game series with Toronto starting Monday. 

 Right -hander Masahiro Tanaka will get the start for New York. He has a record of 6-7 with a 5.56 earn run average. Tanaka is looking to continue his recent run of better pitching performances. He will go up against Toronto right -hander Marcus Stroman who has a record of 8-4 with a 3.41 earn run average. Stroman tossed a career -high 119 pitches during his last outing against the Orioles. He allowed five hits while striking out eight over 7/2/3 innings. He has quality starts in five of his last six outings. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/blue-jays-vs-yankees/2017/07/03/491347#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491347

First pitch is set for 7:05. The game will be televised on Yes. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/blue-jays-vs-yankees/2017/07/03/491347#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491347