Altuve Breaks Homer Drought as Astros Dominate Mariners

HOUSTON: In a commanding performance, the Houston Astros defeated the Seattle Mariners 9-2 at Daikin Park on Thursday night. This victory marks the beginning of their four-game Major League Baseball (MLB) series.

Jose Altuve, who had gone without a home run since April 28, ended his dry spell with a solo homer in the fifth inning. He then followed up with a two-run homer in the sixth.

This stellar performance increased his season total to six home runs. It also signified his first game with multiple home runs since April 14, 2024, when the Astros played against the Texas Rangers.

Astros’ Comeback

After trailing 2-0, the Astros initiated a comeback against Mariners’ right-hander George Kirby. Kirby was making his first appearance of the season after a two-month absence due to injury.

Kirby conceded two runs in the third inning. These included an RBI groundout by Isaac Paredes and a sacrifice fly by Altuve.

Houston continued their scoring spree, adding three more runs in the fourth inning and another in the fifth. Following two outs in the sixth, the Astros put together a brief rally, extending their lead to 8-2.

Kirby struggled in his return, giving up five runs on six hits. He recorded four strikeouts but issued no walks in 3.2 innings.

Early Lead by Seattle

Seattle initially took the lead with an RBI single by Rowdy Tellez in the first inning and a solo home run by Dylan Moore in the second.

Astros’ starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. allowed two runs on five hits. He also achieved a season-high eight strikeouts in 4.1 innings.

Reliever Shawn Dubin entered the game to secure the final outs of the fifth inning and was credited with the win.