Astros Edge Phillies 2-1 on Cam Smith's Eighth-Inning RBI

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

HOUSTON -- — Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.

Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.

The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.

Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.

Bryan Abreu struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.

Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.

Key Moment

Smith’s RBI single in the eighth inning secured the win for the Astros.

Key Stat

Hunter Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.

Up Next

The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.

The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).

In Summary

The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on Thursday, securing their fourth consecutive win. Rookie Cam Smith delivered the decisive RBI single in the eighth inning off Orion Kerkering. The Phillies tied the game earlier in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Marsh, ending a long scoreless streak. Astros starter Hunter Brown was dominant, pitching seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts to lower his league-leading ERA. Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez also pitched well, striking out 11 over six innings. Bryan Abreu closed the game for Houston. Rafael Marchán and Bryson Stott were key contributors for the Phillies.

Related Links

• Philadelphia Phillies News & Updates
• Philadelphia Phillies Schedule & Scores
• Houston Astros News & Updates
• Houston Astros Schedule & Scores
• MLB News