The Astros snapped a four-game losing streak Monday night, beating the Marlins 8-5 at Daikin Park. A massive six-run second inning and another huge night from Yordan Alvarez did the damage. The win was exactly what Houston needed after a rough weekend sweep at the hands of the Orioles.
Blanco made his first start since May 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He went 4 2/3 innings and struck out eight batters. He gave up two home runs but overall an encouraging return for a rotation that desperately needed good news.
Blanco had a rough second inning, giving up a Joe Mack two-run homer to put the Marlins ahead 2-0. But up until that, he was exactly what the Astros are in need of.
The Marlins may have had two on the boards, but the Astros answered right back in the bottom of the second with a six-run inning that flipped the game.
Taylor Trammell got things started with an RBI single to cut it to 2-1.
Jeremy Peña then launched his second career grand slam to give Houston a 5-2 lead.
Yordan Alvarez capped the inning with a solo home run to make it 6-2.
Marlins starter Janson Junk took the hit, giving up all six runs on five hits and three walks in four innings. Brutal for the Marlins, but exactly what the Astros needed after being swept by Baltimore.
A huge moment for Peña. What a comeback after missing one game with a right hamstring cramp, coming back swinging hard. The fifth grand slam for the Astros so far this season. His second career grand slam and a sign that Houston's shortstop is locked in heading into the second half.
Yordan Alvarez followed up with a typical Alvarez at-bat. Another homer, making it 33 homers for the season.
Yordan went 3-for-4 with two home runs, his fifth multi-homer game of the season. He added a second solo shot in the fifth off Lake Bachar to put the Astros up 7-4. He now leads the American League in all three Triple Crown categories: .324 average, 33 home runs, and 75 RBIs.
In July alone, he is slashing .382/.453/.836 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs. After injuries derailed his 2025 season, Alvarez has reestablished himself as one of the best hitters in baseball and shows no signs of slowing down.
Miami followed up with a fight. Liam Hicks hit a two-run homer in the fourth to cut it to 6-4. Hicks leads the Marlins with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs. Heriberto Hernández added an RBI single in the ninth, but Josh Hader shut the door and closed it out.
Final score: 8-5 Astros
