Houston Astros beat Philadelphia Phillies behind Cristian Javier's strong start and Cam Smith's homer
Cristian Javier allowed one run in six innings and Cam Smith homered in the ninth as Houston beat the Phillies 2-1 to take the series.
The Houston Astros advanced their American League West lead with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The win came after a series of strong performances from both the starting and relief pitchers. Cristian Javier, who made his 100th career start, held the Phillies to just three hits over six innings, allowing only one run.
The decisive blow came in the ninth inning when Cam Smith hit a tiebreaking home run off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran. Smith's 20th home run of the season traveled 421 feet, shattering the Phillies' closer's splitter. The victory ensured the Astros at least a two-game lead over the AL-best Tampa Bay Rays as they prepare for a three-game series at Tropicana Field against the Rays.
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