Alvarez, Peña Power Astros Past Marlins 8-5

Alvarez and Peña Lead Offensive Surge

Yordan Alvarez delivered a two-home run performance to help the Houston Astros secure an 8-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The win improved Houston’s record to 48-54, while Miami fell to 52-49. The game took place at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, with an attendance of 23,684.

Alvarez’s power display was a defining factor in the contest. He launched a home run to right center in the fourth inning, measuring 428 feet. He added another home run to right center in the fifth inning, which traveled 419 feet. These two long balls were part of a four-run second inning that shifted the momentum for the home team.

Second Inning Sets the Tone

The Astros’ offense exploded in the second inning, scoring four runs against Marlins pitcher Janson Junk. The scoring began when Kyle Tucker Peña hit a grand slam to right field, measuring 340 feet. This single play accounted for four runs, driving in Diaz, Dezenzo, and Spence.

Prior to the grand slam, Alvarez had already homered to right center in the same inning, a 409-foot shot that also brought in Marsee. Before Alvarez’s homer, Miami had taken a 2-0 lead when Mack homered to right, scoring Marsee. The Marlins got a run back in the second inning when Trammell singled to right, allowing Wade Jr. to score with Diaz advancing to second.

Pitching Decisions and Late Inning Action

Enyel De Los Santos earned the win for Houston, pitching 1.1 innings with no earned runs allowed. Ronel Blanco started for the Astros, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing four earned runs on two hits while striking out eight batters. Steven Okert recorded the save, pitching one inning with no earned runs.

Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader also contributed on the mound for Houston, with Abreu striking out two and Hader facing three batters.

For Miami, Janson Junk took the loss after allowing six earned runs in four innings. Lake Bachar pitched one inning, allowing one earned run, while Dax Fulton pitched three innings, allowing one earned run and striking out four.

In the seventh inning, Altuve singled to center, scoring Paredes to make it 8-4. In the ninth inning, Hernández singled to left, scoring Sanoja with Stowers advancing to second, resulting in a final score of 8-5.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816194