Astros 13, Athletics 2
The Houston Astros defeated the the Athletics, 13–2, on Saturday afternoon at Daikin Park behind a six-run second inning and another strong performance from the pitching staff.
Yordan Alvarez launched a grand slam, LaMonte Wade Jr. hit his first home run with the Astros, and the Astros’ offense broke the game open early to secure the series win over the Athletics.
Astros – Athletics Game Summary
The Astros wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Alvarez drew a walk in the first inning and later scored on Isaac Paredes‘ sacrifice fly, giving the Astros a 1–0 lead.
The Astros broke the game open in the second inning. Wade led off the frame with a solo home run before Taylor Trammell walked and Christian Vázquez singled. Jeremy Peña later drew a walk to load the bases, setting the stage for Alvarez. The slugger crushed a grand slam to right field, extending the lead to 6–0. The Astros added another run in the inning, carrying a 7–0 advantage into the third.
The Athletics responded in the top of the third. Nick Kurtz walked and Brent Rooker singled before Tyler Soderstrom cracked an RBI single. Zack Gelof later drew a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 7–2.
Jose Altuve answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning with a solo home run to left field. The blast pushed the Astros’ lead back to six runs.
Tatsuya Imai settled in after the third inning and kept the Athletics off the board through the fifth. The right-hander pitched five innings and allowed two runs.
The Astros extended their lead in the fifth inning. Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes led off with back-to-back singles before Altuve drew a walk. Wade lined a two-run double, Jake Meyers followed with an RBI single, and Christian Vázquez added an RBI double. Peña capped the onslaught with a two-run double that stretched the Astros’ lead to 13–2.
AJ Blubaugh and Alimber Santa handled the final four innings. They did not allow a run and combined to strike out six Athletics hitters. Santa recorded the final four outs to seal the victory.
What Went Right for the Astros
Early Offense
The Astros scored seven runs through the first two innings. Alvarez’s grand slam highlighted a six-run second that gave the Astros complete control of the game.
Production throughout the Lineup
Eight different Astros recorded a hit. Alvarez drove in four runs, Peña collected two RBI, Vázquez drove in a run and scored twice, and Wade smacked three RBI.
Pitching
Imai tossed five innings and allowed two runs. Blubaugh and Santa followed with four scoreless innings and combined for six strikeouts.
What Went Wrong for the Astros
Third-Inning Command
The Athletics loaded the bases in the third inning after a walk, a hit batter, and several deep counts. Two runs scored before the Astros escaped the inning.
Strikeouts
The Astros struck out 10 times during the game, including multiple strikeouts from the middle of the lineup. Again, in a blowout, that is not a big deal, but in a closer game, it will be.
Quick Hits
- Yordan Alvarez hit his 22nd home run and recorded his second grand slam of the season.
- LaMonte Wade Jr. hit his first home run as an Astro and drove in three runs.
- Jeremy Peña doubled twice and drove in two runs.
- Christian Vázquez went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and two runs scored.
What’s Next
The Astros conclude their series against the Athletics on Sunday at Daikin Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Central.
The Athletics will start left-hander Gage Jump, who enters with a 1-1 record, a 3.75 ERA, and 10 strikeouts. To counter, the Astros will use right-hander Mike Burrows, who carries a 3-7 record, a 5.66 ERA, and 57 strikeouts.
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