Isaac Paredes Homers Early as Astros Hold On to Defeat Twins

Isaac Paredes celebrating a home run. He led the Astros to a win over the Twins May 19.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images

Astros 2, Twins 1

The Houston Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 2–1 on Tuesday night after Isaac Paredes launched a first‑inning two‑run home run that set the tone. Astros pitching controlled the game for most of the night, attacking the strike zone and limiting hard contact. The Twins created late pressure but could not complete the comeback.

Astros – Twins Game Summary

Jeremy Peña opened the game with a line‑drive single to center. Paredes followed by driving a fastball over the left‑field wall for a two‑run home run. The Astros left additional runners on base later in the inning.

The Twins began the bottom half with Byron Buxton striking out before Josh Bell singled. Astros starter Jason Alexander settled in quickly and kept the Twins off the board through the early innings.

Alexander worked six innings and allowed one run on four hits. He limited hard contact and avoided extended rallies. Brooks Lee tripled in the fourth, but Victor Caratini lined out to end the threat.

Zebby Matthews recovered after the first inning and kept the Astros from extending the lead. The Astros continued to reach base but stranded runners in multiple innings.

The Twins cut the deficit in the eighth when Bell lined an RBI single. That brought the tying run to the plate and shifted momentum into the late innings.

Bryan Abreu entered in the ninth after a walk and a hit‑by‑pitch created immediate pressure. He induced a foul popout to secure the final out and preserve the one‑run win.

What Went Right for the Astros

Paredes Provides Early Power

Paredes delivered the decisive swing with a two‑run home run in the first inning. It was the Astros’ only extra‑base hit, but it held up as the difference.

Alexander’s Strong Outing

Alexander worked six innings and held the Twins to one run. He managed traffic effectively and prevented them from stringing together consecutive quality at‑bats.

Relievers Finish the Job

Abreu handled the ninth under pressure, and the bullpen kept the Twins from turning late baserunners into a tying rally.

What Went Wrong for the Astros

No Insurance Runs after the First

The Astros did not add on after the early home run, leaving the Twins within striking distance throughout the game.

Missed Mid-Game Opportunities

The Astros stranded runners in several innings and failed to move runners into scoring position during key at‑bats.

Limited Runners Advanced in Key Spots

The Astros struggled to move runners into scoring position during key at-bats. Several chances ended with routine outs, preventing any late separation on the scoreboard.

 

Quick Hits

  • Paredes recorded the only extra‑base hit for the Astros with his first‑inning home run.
  • Alexander allowed one run on four hits across six innings.
  • Astros pitching held the Twins scoreless in eight of nine innings.
  • Bell drove in the Twins’ lone run with an eighth‑inning single.
  • Lee tripled in the fourth for the Twins’ only extra‑base hit.
  • Abreu secured the final out after entering with two runners on base.
  • The Astros did not allow a multi‑run inning.

Next Up

The series continues Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. Central at Target Field. Mike Burrows is scheduled to start for the Astros against Twins right‑hander Joe Ryan.

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Anastasia Acosta

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