The Houston Astros' slide continued as they lost to the Chicago White Sox 4-1 at U.S. Cellular Field, extending their losing streak a season-high seven games.

John Durr, Getty Images
John Durr, Getty Images
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The only bright spot for Houston on Thursday was right fielder George Springer who went 5-for-5 at the plate, collecting five of the seven hits the Astros collected on the contest, raising his batting average from .235 to .254.

Springer is the first Astro player to get five hits ina game since Brandon Barnes  hit for the cycle on July 19, 2013.

"I'm just trying to slow things down and get to first base for the guys up behind me," Springer, who was hitting leadoff, said. "I was able to get to first base tonight, and hopefully it continues."

Springer is hitting .300 while batting in the leadoff spot, and has reached base in 15 of his 16 starts while hitting first.

"He's a good hitter," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "I think his pitch recognition has been good, and he's toned down a little bit of the violence out of his swing. Whether that's being in the leadoff spot or him just continuing to mature, he's just a very, very good hitter, and obviously tonight he had a great night, individually."

Right-hander Vincent Velasquez had  his Major League debut dampened by his team’s offensive woes. Velasquez  did not allow a run in five innings of work even though he gave up three hits and four walks. He did record five strikeouts during the contest as well.

Velasquez left the game with his team leading 1-0, but the bullpen was inable to hold the lead.

Will Harris gave up a home run to Adma LaRoche in the sixth and then Tony Sipp (2-3) gave up a seventh inning solo shot to GeovanySoto that put the White Sox ahead for good. Pat Neshek gave up two more runs on three hits and a walk in only 2/3 of an inning to supply Chicago with all of the offense it needed.

The Astros return home to begin a series against the Seattle Mariners Friday. The M’s will send  Felix Hernandez (9-2, 2.51 ERA) to the mound and Houston will counter with Brett Oberholtzer ()-1, 3.75).

Friday will also be the Minute Maid debut for Astros top prospect Carlos Correa who made his big league debut during the White Sox series.

You can hear tonight’s contest, which is scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch on Sports Radio 1340 the fan beginning with Astros' Launch at 6:45 p.m.

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