Tampa Bay Rays defeat Houston Astros as offense struggles again

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday at Tropicana Field. The loss marks a series defeat for Houston, which has managed only three runs through the first 18 innings. Yainer Diaz drove in one run and Isaac Paredes added a solo home run, but the team stranded six runners and recorded 14 strikeouts. Houston starter Peter Lambert threw six-plus innings and allowed three runs in the loss. The Astros currently hold a 2 1/2-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the American League West with 13 games remaining in the season. Houston remains without outfielder Yordan Alvarez, who has missed two consecutive games.

• 2:05 AMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros' offense once again in short supply as Tampa Bay Rays win another tight game