Astros Edge Royals 4-2 as Peña, Alvarez Power Hitters Spark Outburst

Early Power Sets the Tone

The decisive moment arrived before the first hour was out, when Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña launched two solo home runs in the first three innings. The first shot traveled 440 feet to left center in the opening frame, followed by a 370-foot drive to left in the third.

These early blasts gave the home team a 2-0 lead that they would never relinquish, establishing a firm foundation for the contest at Daikin Park.

Alvarez Extends the Lead

Houston increased its cushion in the fifth inning. After the Kansas City Royals scored an unearned run via a double by Jensen that allowed Collins to score, the Astros responded immediately. Yordan Alvarez hit a 376-foot home run to right field, driving in Peña for the game-winning fourth run.

This play extended the Astros’ lead to 4-1 and effectively sealed the outcome, as the Royals were unable to close the gap thereafter.

Royals Strike Back Late

Kansas City managed to score twice in the second half. In the sixth inning, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a 376-foot home run to right center, trimming the deficit to 4-2. However, the Astros bullpen maintained composure in the final frames.

Michael Wacha started for the Royals, allowing four hits and four earned runs over six innings while striking out two batters. He took the loss, dropping to a 9-9 record. Lucas Erceg and Jose Cuas each pitched one scoreless inning for Kansas City, with Erceg recording one strikeout and Cuas striking out two while walking one.

Astros Bullpen Holds On

Hunter Brown earned the win for Houston, pitching five innings with two hits, one earned run, three walks, and 10 strikeouts. His record improved to 6-3. The Astros’ relief corps provided the final four innings.

Bennett Sousa pitched one inning with one hit and one earned run. AJ Blubaugh and Bryan Abreu each recorded one scoreless inning, with one strikeout and no walks between them. Josh Hader closed the game with one hit, no earned runs, one strikeout, and no walks, earning his 26th save.

The Astros improved to 76-75, while the Royals fell to 66-85 in front of a crowd of 28,635.

Sources

ESPN