Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick lasted only five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits Saturday, as the Phillies lost to the last-place Houston Astros, 5-0, at Minute Maid Park. The loss dropped the Phillies (73-73) another game behind the final NL Wild Card spot, which now is three games ahead of Philadelphia.
Kendrick (9-11) was not sharp, but the Phillies offense was stagnant as it went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, as Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (2-7) struggled but managed to grind his way to his first win since June 23. Keuchel went 5⅓ innings allowing no runs on seven hits and walked four batters.
The Phillies had their chances to break through on offense, but couldn't as they left the bases loaded in the first and fourth innings. The only hitter to collect multiple hits for Philly was third baseman Kevin Frandsen.
The Astros and Phillies concluded its four-game series on Sunday (2:05 p.m.).