Rookie Michael Fulmer has rough start, Astros' win 10-4 over Tigers
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Colby Rasmus hit a three-run home run in the first inning and the Houston Astros beat the Detroit Tigers 10-4 on Friday.
Rasmus drove in four runs with his second spring homer and a single.
"I'm happy to be able to hit some breaking balls early. I've had some problems with that in the past but I'm a little older now and making some adjustments," said Rasmus, who hit .323 with four home runs in the postseason last year. "I'm trying to stay focused on my approach and where I finished up last year, trying to keep that same kind of swing going."
George Springer scored twice for the Astros and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Carlos Correa had two hits.
Houston starter Scott Feldman gave up two runs on four hits in three innings, leaving with a 4-2 lead after Springer ran down Miguel Cabrera's drive into the gap with two men on base.
"When you've got three center fielders out there it makes our job a lot easier," Feldman said.
Steven Moya hit his third home run for Detroit.
Rookie Michael Fulmer started for the Tigers and pitched one inning, giving up three walks and the three-run homer. Fulmer came to Detroit from the New York Mets last summer in the Yoenis Cespedes trade.
STARTING TIME
Tigers: The 22-year-old Fulmer, a long shot for the fifth starting spot, threw 30 pitches. "I don't want to make any excuses," he said. "Walks will kill you, and one hanging changeup to Rasmus will kill you, too."
TRAINER'S ROOM:
Tigers: RHP Anibal Sanchez threw his first bullpen session in Lakeland after starting the spring with an inflamed triceps and coming down with a case of bronchitis. The Tigers hope to ave Sanchez pitching in a minor league game by the middle of next week. "We can still get him up to 90 pitches in his last spring training outing, which is where you want to be," said manager Brad Ausmus.
Astros: The Astros announced after the game that RHP Lance McCullers, who started 22 games last season, will have his shoulder examined by team doctors after complaining of soreness. The Astros had hoped to have the 22-year-old McCullers appear in a spring game this weekend, but that plan has been scratched.
FLASHY OUTFIELDERS
Rasmus and OF Carlos Gomez bought suits for several Astros outfielders Friday, and Rasmus said he plans to wear a red velvet suit in New York when the Astros open their season there on April 4. "This is the show and it should be fun," Rasmus explained. "I'm not trying to disrespect anybody, just having fun with it and hopefully that'll carry onto the field."
UP NEXT
Tigers: Mike Pelfrey will face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday in Lakeland.
Astros: RHP Mike Fiers gets his second spring start against the Cardinals at Jupiter.
