Houston Astros’ big night: 300th strikeout for Gerrit Cole, 100th win for team and a postseason berth

HOUSTON — Gerrit Cole struck out 10 batters, including his 300th of the season, Yuli Gurriel and Jose Altuve homered and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 3-2 on Wednesday night to lock up a postseason berth.

Houston picked up its 100th win of the season, becoming one of six teams in major league history to win at least 100 games in three consecutive seasons. The Astros lost at least 100 games in three consecutive seasons from 2011-13.

The Astros (100-53) have a one-game lead on the New York Yankees, who lost 3-2 to the Los Angeles Angels, for the best record in the majors. Houston can clinch the AL West as early as Friday with a win and loss by Oakland.

Cole (18-5) allowed two runs on six hits in earning his 14th consecutive win. He hasn’t lost since May 22 against the White Sox, a span of 20 starts. Cole struck out 10 or more for the seventh consecutive start, tying the club record set earlier this season by Justin Verlander.

Congrats to @astros Gerrit Cole on his 300th strikeout this season… Here’s a breakdown of all 300. That’s a whole bunch of Ks. pic.twitter.com/AaVop0dS3R

— Daren Willman (@darenw) September 19, 2019

Cole, the major league leader in strikeouts, became the third Astros pitcher to reach 300 strikeouts in a season, joining J.R. Richard, who had 313 in 1979 and 303 in 1978, and Mike Scott, who struck out 306 in 1986.

Cole struck out Shin-Soo Choo to end the sixth for his 300th of the season. After the strikeout, Cole leapt off the mound and was given a standing ovation as he walked to the dugout. Cole waved to the crowd with his glove hand and touched his chest with his throwing hand.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole struck out 10 batters Wednesday, his seventh consecutive game of reaching that mark. (Photo: Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports)

Roberto Osuna pitched the ninth for his 35th save.

Gurriel gave the Astros a 2-0 lead in the fifth with a two-run homer to left. Altuve hit a solo home run to lead off the seventh make the lead 3-1.

Willie Calhoun scored on a throwing error by Martín Maldonado in the seventh to cut the lead to a run. Ronald Guzmán cut the lead to 3-2 with a solo home run in the eighth.

Kyle Tucker robbed Scott Heineman of a home run in the third, reaching over the right field wall and bringing it back to lead off the inning. Tucker made a great throw to get Willie Calhoun out at second in the fourth. Calhoun was initially called safe, but after Houston challenged, the call was overturned.

Kolby Allard (4-1) allowed two runs on four hits with four walks and two strikeouts in five innings. The Rangers have lost five in a row.

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