The Houston Astros received a dominant performance from Framber Valdez on Thursday night during a desperate time. Entering the contest having lost five straight games, the Astros badly needed a win to keep their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, and Valdez delivered in vintage style, striking out 10 Athletics hitters and allowing just one earned run in seven innings.
Houston won the game 11-5 and will now close their season with a three-game set on the road against the Los Angeles Angels. For Valdez, the outing was not only big for his club; it did something to salvage his value on the upcoming free agent market.