Slumping Indians lose to Astros

Associated Press

HOUSTON

J.D. Martinez and Rick Ankiel hit back-to-back homers in the second inning and the Houston Astros held on for a 3-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night.

The win snaps a five-game skid for Houston and extends Cleveland’s losing streak to five.

Houston starter Lucas Harrell (1-2) allowed two runs in 52/3 innings before three relievers combined to shut Cleveland out the rest of the way.

Closer Jose Veras allowed one hit in the ninth for his first save in two tries.

Carlos Pena walked with one out in the second inning before Martinez got Houston’s first hit by launching a homer in the stands in right field off former Astro Brett Myers (0-3) to make it 2-0. Martinez left the game with a sprained knee in the fourth.

Ankiel followed with another homer to right field to push the lead to 3-0.

Lonnie Chisenhall closed the gap to 3-2 when he connected on a homer that sailed just inside the foul pole in right field in the fourth inning.

Myers, who was facing Houston for the first time since a trade last summer, allowed five hits and three runs with four strikeouts in five innings. He has given up an MLB-high 10 home runs with an 8.02 ERA in four games with three starts.

Harrell was chased by a single by Mark Reynolds with two outs in the sixth inning, and was none too happy about it. He stalked off the field before throwing his glove, hat and a cup of water when he reached the dugout.