Yordan Alvarez Leads Astros Past Rangers 9-3
Alvarez’s Power Keys Winning
Yordan Alvarez launched a two‑run homer 425 feet to straightaway center in the first inning, giving the Astros the lead they never relinquished. The blast marked his AL‑leading 31st home run and boosted his RBI total to 70. Alvarez also added a double and two walks, raising his season average at Globe Life Field to .455 (10 for 22) with seven homers and 11 RBIs in six games. He now owns 201 career home runs, just one shy of the major‑league lead held by National League All‑Star DH Kyle Schwarber.
Wade’s Historic Slam
LaMonte Wade Jr. hit his first career grand slam in the second inning, a 57th‑career home run that gave Houston a commanding 7‑0 edge. The shot was Wade’s second homer in nine games with the Astros, who improved to 47‑50 overall. Christian Vázquez followed with a leadoff home run in the third, extending the lead as the Astros piled up eight of their ten hits early. The Grand Canyon State product’s slam proved to be the difference‑maker in a 9‑3 victory.
Rangers Respond with Double‑Home Run
Ezequiel Durán erupted for two runs‑scoring home runs, a solo shot off Peter Lambert in the fourth and a two‑run blast in the ninth. The Dallas‑born slugger’s fireworks helped the Rangers cut the deficit, but the damage had already been done. Texas starter Kumar Rocker tossed 5 ⅔ innings, striking out six, walking two, and hitting a batter while allowing three home runs. Rocker’s line sits at 2‑8 on the season.
Pitching Performances
Peter Lambert earned the win after delivering a three‑hit, seven‑strikeout outing over six innings. The right‑hander, who missed the Astros roster out of spring training, is now 8‑5 with a 2.84 ERA in nine starts this stretch. Lambert’s ability to keep the ball low helped contain the Rangers’ offensive surge late in the game. His performance reinforced Houston’s depth in the rotation.
What’s Next
Neither club has announced a starter for Sunday’s series finale before the All‑Star break, leaving fans guessing about the final showdown in Arlington. After the break, the Rangers travel to face the Astros from July 31 through August 2. The instate rivalry will resume in Houston, where the teams will look to pick up where they left off.