What was evident over the final two innings of their 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday was the Houston Astros' desire to maintain momentum, even at the cost of sound thinking.

Two critical baserunning blunders undermined the Astros in support of another brilliant effort from right-hander Justin Verlander, who allowed two solo home runs while posting 11 strikeouts in a 99-pitch complete game. Houston -- now 17-3 over its last 20 home games -- could have clinched the series with a win, but have another shot at claiming the four-game set Thursday.

"I don't fault those guys at all," Verlander told reporters of his teammates. "They are playing hard, and I am sure they are upset at themselves. As long as someone is playing hard, I don't think anybody takes offense at the effort."