HOUSTON, TX – June 1, 2025 – On Lou Gehrig Day, an annual MLB observance to honor the legendary “Iron Horse” and raise awareness for ALS, the Houston Astros recovered from a humbling loss by pitching a brilliant 1-0 shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays last night at Daikin Park, securing a split in their four-game series. Hunter Brown was the star, delivering a gem on the mound to silence the Rays’ bats.
Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (8-3) earned the win, becoming the first pitcher in MLB to reach eight wins. He was sensational, allowing just one hit and four walks over six scoreless innings, while striking out five. The Astros bullpen, including Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader (15th save), completed the shutout. For the Rays, Taj Bradley (4-5) took the tough-luck loss, despite pitching seven strong innings and allowing only one unearned run on three hits.
The game’s only run came in the bottom of the first inning, courtesy of a Rays’ error. Jeremy Peña reached on a fielding error by third baseman Junior Caminero, then stole second. After Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve made outs, Christian Walker delivered a clutch two-out single to left field, scoring Peña and giving the Astros a 1-0 lead.
From that point on, it was a pitching duel. Hunter Brown was in total control, not allowing a hit until Josh Lowe singled in the sixth inning. He consistently worked around walks and kept the Rays off the scoreboard.
The Astros’ bullpen took over, with Bryan King navigating a tricky seventh, Bryan Abreu getting four crucial outs, and Josh Hader slamming the door shut in the ninth for his 15th save of the season. Hader’s save included a pivotal ejection of Rays shortstop Taylor Walls for arguing with the umpire.
The Astros offense managed only four hits, but their stellar pitching and one early unearned run were all they needed.
The critical win brought the Astros’ record to 32-27, allowing them to finish the homestand on a positive note.