Grayson is Great, East Texas Hurler Shines, But Astros Rally Late

Grayson Rodriguez let out a huge roar into his glove as he got out of a 6th-inning jam with a strike out of Martin Maldonado. With that punch out, the hurler from Central Heights, Texas left the game with a 6-2 lead over the Houston Astros.

Rodriguez went 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4. It was another quality outing for Grayson since being recalled to Baltimore over a month ago. The division-leading Orioles looked to be on their way to 5th straight win, but the tables turned in the bottom of the ninth.

Blown Save

Baltimore entered the top of the final frame with a 6-3 lead and the Orioles brought in their closer, Felix Bautista, who was trying to close out the game for his 31st save of the season. But, the meat of the Astros lineup proved to be too much for Bautista and a grand slam home run by Kyle Tucker would give Houston a 7-6 win.

Tough Team Loss, Great Individual Performance

Grayson Rodriguez once again pitched more than well enough to get credit for the win. He went toe to toe against Framber Valdez who pitched a no-hitter in his last appearance. But, the usually reliable Oriole bullpen would once again give up a lead and cost Grayson a win on the stat sheet.

It was a stunning defeat for Baltimore and a loss that Grayson and his teammates will find hard to swallow. But, at the end of the day, the Orioles are still in first place in the American League East and Rodriguez is everything and more that Baltimore hoped he would be when returning to the Majors.

Grayson was great, and despite the team loss, he can be very proud of his performance.

I know all of East Texas is.