Astros rally past Diamondbacks 3-1 in Houston

A Three-Run Third Inning Decides the Game

The Houston Astros defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Daikin Park. The decisive factor was a three-run third inning that put the home team ahead for good. Attendance at the venue totaled 33,482 fans.

Diaz Homers as Astros Take the Lead

The scoring began in the bottom of the third inning. Yainer Diaz hit a home run to left center field, traveling 383 feet, to give Houston a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued immediately after.

Jose Paredes doubled to left field, allowing Carlos Pena to score and bringing the score to 2-0. Finally, Jose Altuve hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Carlos Alvarez and extending the Astros' lead to 3-0. These three plays accounted for all of Houston's runs in the game.

Diamondbacks Strike Back

Arizona responded in the top of the fourth inning. Ezequiel Moreno hit a home run to left center field, traveling 387 feet, to cut the deficit to 3-1. That was the only run scored by the Diamondbacks. The rest of the game remained scoreless, with the Astros holding on to secure the victory.

Pitching Performance and Records

Cristian Javier earned the win for Houston. He pitched five innings, allowing one hit and one earned run while striking out eight batters and walking three. He improved his record to 2-5.

Enyel De Los Santos, Bennett Sousa, and Bryan Abreu each recorded a hold, pitching 0.1, 1.1, and 1.1 innings respectively. Josh Hader closed the game with a save, striking out three batters in a perfect one-inning relief appearance.

For Arizona, Merrill Kelly took the loss. He pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs while striking out four batters. He walked no batters.

Justin Martinez and Derek Law each pitched one inning in relief. Martinez struck out two batters without allowing a hit or a run. Law pitched a scoreless inning without a strikeout.

The Astros improved their record to 73-69, while the Diamondbacks fell to 74-68.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816804