Walker and Paredes hit HRs, 4 pitchers combine for shutout as Astros beat Rays 2-0

HOUSTON — Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes hit solo home runs, four pitchers combined for four hits, and the Houston Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Sunday.

Walker led off the fourth inning with his 20th home run of the season, giving him five straight 20-homer seasons. Paredes hit his 12th homer to lead off the sixth.

Peter Lambert (7-5) struck out six while allowing three hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings. It was removed with a runner on second base, but Stephen Okert got pinch hitter Ryan Vilade to fly out to end the threat.

Okert pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, Brian King worked around a single in the eighth before Josh Hader beat a leadoff lead into the ninth to save the ninth. Hader has allowed one run and two hits over 15 innings this season.

Mason Englert (0-2) allowed two runs and five hits with nine strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings after being called up from Triple-A Durham before the game. Cam Booser and Craig Kimbrel followed and combined to hold the Astros scoreless for 2 1/3 innings.

The Rays have lost two straight games after winning nine straight.

Yordan Alvarez was 0-for-4 after hitting two home runs, including a homer 10-8 Saturday win.

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