The Houston Astros pounced on Nationals starter Patrick Corbin in the first inning of Game 4 on Saturday night, recording multiple first-pitch hits off Corbin’s fastballs to take a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Corbin struck out George Springer to open the game, but over his next four pitches, Corbin surrendered hits to Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman, who drove in a run by driving a ball to left-center field.
The next batter, Yuli Gurriel, took two pitches before lashing a ball down the third-base line. Anthony Rendon was able to stop the ball, but couldn’t make a play at first in time to record an out.
Ultimately, Corbin and the Nationals were fortunate to only give up two runs in the top of the first. Corbin walked Carlos Correa to load the bases with one out, but Robinson Chirinos grounded into a double play to end the threat.
[UPDATE]: Chirinos redeemed himself in the fourth inning, blasting a two-run homer off Corbin to double the Nats’ lead.
