Houston Astros manager Joe Espada insisted on immediately flushing a 13-run loss to the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday in the middle game of a three-game series between postseason contenders.

Houston did precisely that in the form of a 4-1 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday. That win, combined with the Seattle Mariners' road losses to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday and Thursday, leaves the Astros with a 1 1/2-game lead in the American League West.

The Astros will conclude their six-game homestand with a three-game series against the Orioles starting Friday night.

With the Mariners hot on their heels and injuries continuing to ravage their roster, the Astros have maintained their focus on stringing together series victories. With the stretch run set to commence, there are few goals mor

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