After sweeping the Dodgers, the Astros found themselves swept by a Guardians squad that had lost 10 straight games entering the series.

A couple hours after telling reporters on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from his starting gig at third base for the American League All-Stars because of a sore right ankle, Ramirez led the Guardians to a three-game sweep of the Astros with a 4-2 win at Daikin Park.

Preview the July 9 matchup between the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Guardians claimed a surprising series win over Houston after entering the three-game set mired in a 10-game skid. The Astros dropped back-to-back home contests for the first time since suffering a three-game sweep to the San Francisco Giants in their first homestand of the year.

Houston finished 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position as the Astros lost a second consecutive game to Cleveland.

A direct result of the numerous injuries that have thinned Houston's roster this season has been the steady stream of minor leaguers making their big league debuts for the Astros.

HOUSTON — Baseball fans know what an intentional walk is. For a refresher, just look at what happens when Jose Ramirez comes to the plate in a game-deciding situation. He’s waved to first base on a free pass. Pitchers don’t even have to throw four pitches off the plate anymore.

Houston All-Star Hunter Brown endured his most lopsided stat line of a brilliant first half Tuesday against Cleveland.