The Astros split the 2 games in the desert with Arizona. The good news is that the split snaps a streak of 3 consecutive series lost. The bad news is that Houston has gone 4 series in a row without a series win.

Houston pounded out 14 hits and got a solid effort from starting pitcher Ian Kennedy for the win in the opener.

Kennedy improved to 6-1 on the season, lasting 6 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits with 10 strikeouts and a single walk.

Chris Carter hit a solo home run in game 2, his 10th of the year, but the Astros fell, 7-3.

Starter Scott Kazmir feel to 5-6 on the year as he surrendered 6 runs on 9 hits while striking out 4 and walking 1 in 5 innings of work.

Houston has completed 8 days of their 20-in-a-row without a day off. The Astros are 3-5 so far and the bullpen has shown fatigue as the starting pitching has faltered. If the Astros are to survive the next 12 days, the starters have got to pick up the slack.

Houston will host Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday before Oakland comes to town over the weekend.

HOU 8-14-0
ARI 3-14-1

HOU 3-6-1
ARI 7-13-0

AL West Standings through May 30, 2016

Mariners 30-21
Astros 29-24
Athletics 26-27
Angels 24-28
Rangers 23-30