HOUSTON, TX – May 29, 2025 – The Houston Astros opened a new three-game home series with a disappointing 13-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays last night at Daikin Park. The Rays’ offense exploded for a dominant performance, overwhelming the Astros pitching staff.
Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (2-5) took the loss, struggling through four innings and allowing four runs on six hits and three walks. The bullpen also had a tough night, giving up nine more runs. For the Rays, Shane Baz (3-1) earned the win, despite allowing three runs (two earned) over 5.2 innings.
The Rays jumped out to an early lead, scoring a run in the first inning on an RBI single from Yandy Díaz. They added another run in the fourth on a solo home run by Isaac Paredes, making it 2-0.
The Astros showed some life in the bottom of the fifth. Jose Altuve hit an RBI double, scoring Jake Meyers. Later in the inning, Christian Walker singled to left, driving in Jose Altuve and cutting the Rays’ lead to 3-2. The Astros then tied the game in the bottom of the sixth when Victor Caratini hit an RBI single.
However, the game quickly unraveled for the Astros in the seventh and eighth innings. The Rays scored five runs in the seventh, highlighted by a two-run single from Randy Arozarena and a two-run double from Yandy Díaz. They piled on five more runs in the eighth, including a grand slam by José Caminero, breaking the game wide open.
The Astros managed only 8 hits in the game, and after tying it in the sixth, their offense went quiet as the Rays pulled away.
The loss dropped the Astros’ record to 30-26. They will look to bounce back in the second game of the series.