Ronel Blanco threw five scoreless innings, and rookie Zach Dezenzo hit a homer, helping the Houston Astros defeat the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 on Friday night in a game between division champions that might see a rematch in the postseason.
Blanco (13-6) gave up only one hit in five innings and is now unbeaten in his last nine starts. He and three relievers combined for a three-hit game, even though the Astros struck out 13 times and left 12 runners on base.
“You could make a case he’s one of our best starters,” said Astros manager Joe Espada about Blanco, who has a 0.75 ERA in four starts this September. “He has helped us get to this point.”
Blanco was replaced by rookie Spencer Arrighetti, who was making his first relief appearance after starting 28 games.
Arrighetti pitched well for two innings but walked the bases loaded in the eighth. He was ejected by plate umpire Mark Wegner for throwing the resin bag on the mound and for his comments as he left the field.
Arrighetti noted, “It felt familiar, I was just a little bit rusty. I think I’ll be able to find a better routine the next time I do it.”
Bryan Abreu came in and got the Astros out of the eighth by striking out rookie Kyle Manzardo and All-Star José Ramírez.
The Guardians, held to one hit for eight innings, scored two runs in the ninth against Josh Hader, who closed the game.
Victor Caratini and Dezenzo hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning for the AL West champions, who are secured as the No. 3 seed in the playoffs and will host a wild-card series next week.
If the Astros win, they’ll play in Cleveland on Oct. 5 in Game 1 of the ALDS.
The Guardians are still competing with the New York Yankees for the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
