This is more like it. An entertaining game throughout with some cool moments and positive developments. Those types of games have been few and far between for the Astros in 2026.
First, Yordan Alvarez, who is simply having an MVP-level season. Two home runs in a single game for the fifth time this season. Simply incredible. The best hitter in baseball at the moment, and it isn’t particularly close.
The Astros were able to set the tone early thanks to a six-run second inning, including the first of Alvarez’s home runs, immediately preceded by Jeremy Peña’s (just barely) grand slam that truly opened the game up for Houston.
Taylor Trammell and Jose Altuve would each have an RBI of their own to account for the other two runs.
On the pitching side, Ronel Blanco made his first start since May 2025 and pitched fairly well, all things considered. While he allowed four runs and didn’t finish five innings (4.2), the right-hander’s stuff was sharper than expected, racking up eight strikeouts. A pair of home runs were the primary issues. Ultimately, he threw the ball well enough, and that was a win by itself.
The bullpen threw the ball well, too, limiting the Marlins to just a run in the final 4.1 innings, striking out six. Josh Hader allowed that lone run in the ninth. Bryan Abreu’s velocity continues to recover. Since June 4, entering this evening, he has had a 2.13 ERA/3.49 FIP in his last 12.2 innings. That’ll improve with a scoreless inning against Miami.
All said and done, it was a much-needed win for the Astros. The Rangers lost, which helps, but the Mariners won, so those two teams essentially flipped places in the division. Houston trails Seattle by 3.5 games now for the AL West lead. If this team wants to make a run, right now would be a good time to do it.
Feature photo from Astros on X
Ronel Blanco rarely has good reviews. The rotation’s ugly duckling had a very good start considering his circumstances. 2HR, 4 ER, and 3 walks in 4.2 innings is not exactly outstanding, but the 32 YO delivered 8Ks. I see enough reasons to hope for a #3 starter.
On the positive side all our soon to be trade candidates had pretty good games showing off in front of scouts.
On the bad side even Rome is saying maybe you don’t tear it all down because of Yordan’s season.
On the negative negative- I swear Espada is going to tear Haders arm off again.
Espada is fighting for his job and doesn’t know how to win with good players. DB is in the same boat playing “his” players even though they don’t deserve playing time.