Alvarez Powers Offense
Yordan Alvarez provided the offensive spark Houston needed, launching two home runs in the contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. Alvarez’s performance included a two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning that ultimately proved decisive in the 10-8 victory at Daikin Park.
The Rays struck first in the top of the first inning when Wander Franco’s teammate, Franco’s teammate? No, the facts say Caminero. Caminero homered to left center, measuring 437 feet, to give Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. Houston responded immediately in the bottom of the first. Alvarez homered to left center (403 feet), driving in Altuve to take a 2-1 lead. The Rays reclaimed the lead in the second inning when Palacios homered to right center (409 feet), scoring Mesa Jr. to make it 3-2.
Scoring Spree in the Third
Houston tied the game in the third inning. Mesa Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center, allowing Aranda to score. DeLuca then singled to right, bringing Caminero home. Mullins stole home to extend the lead to 6-2. The Rays answered in the fourth. Caminero grounded into a fielder's choice, but Walls scored on an error by shortstop Allen. Feduccia reached second on a throwing error by Allen. Diaz then homered to right center (394 feet), scoring Walker to cut the deficit to 7-4.
The Astros added another run in the fifth when Alvarez singled to left, allowing Allen to score. The Rays rallied in the seventh inning. DeLuca homered to left (355 feet). Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Trammell. Paredes singled to left, bringing Allen home. Dezenzo singled to right, scoring Altuve to tie the game at 8-8.
