Alvarez and Tucker Power Astros’ 10-4 Blowout of Angels with Back-to-Back Homers
Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker each blasted back-to-back homers and racked up four hits apiece, propelling the Houston Astros to a dominant 10-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night.
Victor Caratini gave the Astros an early boost with a three-run homer, supporting Ronel Blanco (12-6), who delivered a solid start. Houston’s bats were on fire, recording a season-high 20 hits and reducing their magic number to three for clinching the AL West title.
In the seventh inning, Alvarez and Tucker lit up reliever Ryan Miller with homers on just three pitches, stretching the lead to 10-2. It was the Astros’ seventh time hitting back-to-back homers this season. “I barely had time to celebrate before he hit his,” Alvarez said with a smile.
Tucker notched his second straight four-hit game, while Alvarez snapped a 12-at-bat hitless streak with a big night.
The Astros jumped ahead in the first inning when Alvarez and Tucker smashed consecutive doubles to take a 1-0 lead. The Angels responded by tying it up in the second after Mickey Moniak scored on a Logan O’Hoppe double, following a throwing error by Mauricio Dubón. Houston quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the inning as Jose Altuve singled home Caratini with the bases loaded, and Jake Meyers crossed home after Alvarez grounded into a double play.
Houston exploded in the third with a four-run rally, highlighted by Caratini’s three-run shot. Caratini, who had a strong night, also walked, singled, and scored twice.
Meyers contributed to the offensive onslaught, going 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, a stolen base, and a run scored.
Blanco was solid on the mound, giving up two runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out nine. His 2.88 ERA is now the third-best in the American League. “He’s been a workhorse for us all season,” said Astros manager Joe Espada. “From his no-hitter in his first start to now, he’s embraced his role.”
Angels’ starter Reid Detmers (4-8) struggled, allowing seven runs on nine hits, and was pulled in the third inning after facing just 17 batters. “He left too many pitches over the plate, and a lineup like that won’t let you get away with it,” said Angels manager Ron Washington.
Logan O’Hoppe stood out for the Angels, going 4-for-4 with a homer and two doubles, while Nolan Schanuel extended his hitting streak to 12 games.
Injury Updates:
- Angels: Outfielder Jordyn Adams missed his second game with right knee soreness.
- Astros: Reliever Tayler Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list with a spine strain, while Chas McCormick (fractured hand) is getting closer to returning, having gripped a bat before the game.
Next Up: Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti (7-13, 4.68 ERA) will take the mound against Griffin Canning (6-13, 5.16 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels’ Jack Lopez to end the top of the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Astros’ Jeremy Pena slides into second for a double against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Astros’ Victor Caratini hits a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Astros’ Victor Caratini, right, celebrates with Yainer Diaz after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
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s Angeles Angels’ Nolan Schanuel (18) slides into second for a double past Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)