Framber Valdez took it on the chin in tonight’s loss to St. Louis.
The Astros lost to St. Louis by five runs…
but it wasn’t really that close.
The Cardinals touched up on Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50) for seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits and a walk in four innings. His GameScore of 18 was his lowest since May 20 (when he racked up a 17 in a 9-7 loss to the Los Angeles Angels).
The Cardinals doubled up on Houston with 14 hits to only seven for the Astros, and two of Houston’s were in the final inning, staring at an eight-run deficit. Jeremy Peña’s (3) two-out, three-run ninth-inning home run was the only offense the Astros could muster. Mauricio Dubón had the only multiple-hit game, with a single and a double with 21,977 in attendance at Busch Stadium.
JEREMY PEÑA despachó su tercer cuadrangular de la temporada #TiempoExtraRD#HoustonAstros #MLB #GrandesLigas
— Tiempo Extra RD (@TiempoExtraVE) April 15, 2025
After Valdez’ unfortunate meltdown, Bennett Sousa pitched two innings of shutout ball, striking out three and only allowing one baserunner. Luis Contreras pitched two innings and allowed one run, a solo shot to Nolan Arenado.
Even with the bad showing, Houston still has a chance to reach .500 against these Cardinals, with a pair of games set for the next two days.
MLB Box Score
Houston’s highest WPA for the game was a pitiable .021, courtesy of Chas McCormick. Three other Astros were above even, but all below .005. Valdez “led” the way with a mark of -.244. Fangraphs Box
Tomorrow at 6:45 CT, Hunter Brown (1-1, 2.00) takes on Erick Fedde (1-1, 4.20), then Wednesday at 12:45 CT, Ronel Blanco (1-1, 6.94) gets Steven Matz (0-0, 2.31).