HOUSTON (AP) — Houston's Framber Valdez has not allowed a hit through six innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night.

Valdez retired the first 12 batters with six strikeouts before Oscar Gonzalez walked to open the fifth. But Valdez still faced the minimum in that inning thanks to a double play.

Gabriel Arias grounded out to start the sixth before a lineout by Myles Straw. Cam Gallagher then grounded out to end the sixth.

The left-hander has thrown 66 pitches with 44 strikes.

The Astros lead 2-0 after a two-run single by Kyle Tucker in the third.

The strong start comes after he allowed eight hits and six runs — both season highs — in 3 2/3 innings of a 13-5 loss to Texas in his last outing.

Valdez became the ace of Houston's staff this season after Justin Verlander signed with the Mets. But Verlander was sent back to the Astros in a blockbuster trade-deadline deal Tuesday, giving Houston a powerful 1-2 punch.

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