The Houston Astros ended their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion Monday night, using a six-run second inning and another dominant power display from Yordan Alvarez to defeat the Miami Marlins 8-5.
Jeremy Peña delivered the biggest swing of the night with a grand slam, while Alvarez blasted two home runs as the Astros’ offense proved too much for a Marlins club that has now dropped seven consecutive games.
Houston wasted little time taking control after falling behind early. Peña’s second career grand slam highlighted a massive six-run second inning that completely shifted the momentum. Alvarez capped the rally with his first homer of the evening, giving the Astros a commanding lead they would never relinquish.
Leading off the fifth inning, the All-Star slugger launched another towering home run that traveled 419 feet into the second deck in right field. The blast marked his fifth multi-home run game of the season and the 27th of his career. He finished 3-for-4 at the plate, recording his 11th game with at least three hits this season.
With the two-homer performance, Alvarez moved into a tie with Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the Major League lead with 33 home runs.
Jose Altuve also contributed offensively, driving in a run with an RBI single as Houston finished with eight runs on timely hitting and power.
Making his first major league start in 429 days, Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco returned from Tommy John surgery and showed flashes of his old form. Blanco, who had not started since undergoing the procedure last June, allowed four runs on two hits over 4 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters.
The Marlins made Blanco work, capitalizing on free passes. Rookie catcher Joe Mack and Liam Hicks each connected for two-run home runs after walks extended innings, helping Miami stay within striking distance.
Houston’s bullpen took over from there. Enyel De Los Santos (1-3) earned the victory by finishing the fifth inning and tossing a scoreless sixth. Steven Okert escaped trouble in the seventh by stranding two runners, Bryan Abreu navigated through traffic in the eighth, and Josh Hader closed out the victory despite surrendering a run in the ninth.
Miami starter Janson Junk (4-6) struggled through four innings, allowing six runs on five hits as Houston’s explosive second inning proved to be the difference.
The Marlins offense showed resilience, but injuries continue to be a concern. All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez missed his second straight game with finger inflammation, leaving Miami without one of its most consistent hitters.
The loss extends the Marlins skid to seven games, their longest losing streak since April 22-29, 2024, as they continue searching for answers during a difficult stretch.
Houston, meanwhile, regained momentum after four consecutive defeats and will look to build on the victory in the second game of the series.
The Astros are scheduled to send right-hander Tatsuya Imai (5-4, 6.06 ERA) to the mound Tuesday night, while the Marlins will counter with right-hander Tyler Phillips (2-4, 3.48 ERA) as Miami attempts to snap its season-high seven-game losing streak.
