The Astros completed the sweep against the Miami Marlins Wednesday night. After being swept by Baltimore, this is the comeback they needed, and it is crucial they build off of this momentum.
Peter Lambert was the starting pitcher for Wednesday's game. Lambert has been one of the Astros' most consistent arms, if not the most consistent, and Wednesday night was no different.
Here is a look at his game stats, per CBS Sports:
IP: 6.0, H: 6, R: 2, ER: 2, BB: 2, SO: 3, Decision: No-decision
Lambert worked six innings, allowing just two runs, improving his July ERA to a remarkable 1.02. Another quality start from one of the most reliable arms in the AL this season.
Lambert did his job, and the offense did theirs.
Lucas Spence stepped up to the plate with a runner on base. The Marlins attempted a double play but Spence was safe due to an overthrow over the first baseman's head.
Nick Allen came through right after, collecting an RBI single and putting the Astros on the board. And then Peña took care of the rest.
Peña continues to crush it at the plate, launching another homer 383 feet. That is the kind of production this team desperately needed heading into the second half.
Peña has been on fire since returning from the IL. In the three game series against the Marlins alone he hit a grand slam Monday, a leadoff homer Tuesday, and another homer Wednesday. That is back to back to back games with a home run for a player who has dealt with three separate injuries this season. If Peña can stay healthy and keep this up, the Astros lineup looks a whole lot scarier heading into the stretch run.
The Marlins tied it up in the top of the fourth, but this Astros team does not stay down for long.
Alvarez continues to do what he does best and crushed another homer. His 34th of the season gives him the outright MLB lead and gave the Astros the lead at 4-2, per MLB.
And if Alvarez going deep wasn't enough, Paredes made sure the door was closed. Paredes followed up Alvarez's homer with another home run, making the final score 5-2 to complete the sweep.
From getting swept to doing the sweeping in one homestand. The Astros are building momentum at exactly the right time, and if they can keep this going, the AL West race is far from over.
