Alvarez Powers Astros Past Rays 10-8 with Two Home Runs

Alvarez Delivers in Clutch

Alex Alvarez delivered two home runs to lead the Houston Astros to a 10-8 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday at Daikin Park. Alvarez’s power display included a two-run shot in the first inning and a decisive two-run homer in the ninth that sealed the win for Houston.

The Rays struck first in the top of the inning when Wander Franco homered to left center. However, Alvarez answered immediately in the bottom of the frame with a two-run homer to left center, giving Houston a 2-1 advantage. Alvarez’s power continued to influence the game’s momentum throughout the contest.

Rays Fight Back in Middle Innings

Tampa Bay regained the lead in the second inning when Franco homered to right center, putting the Rays ahead 3-2. The Astros tied the game in the third inning when Jose Altuve singled, allowing Franco to score. The Rays took the lead again later in the third when Franco stole home, making it 6-2 before the Astros clawed back.

Houston narrowed the gap in the fourth inning when Franco grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing one run to score on an error. Diaz followed with a two-run homer to right center, tying the game at 7-7. Alvarez added another run in the fifth with a single that allowed Franco to score, giving Houston an 8-7 lead.

Rays Rally in Seventh

The Rays tied the game in the seventh inning when Franco homered to left. Alvarez then hit a sacrifice fly to right, allowing Franco to score and put Tampa Bay ahead 8-7. The Rays extended their lead later in the inning when Franco singled, allowing Franco to score, making it 8-8. Dezenzo then singled to right, allowing Franco to score, giving Tampa Bay an 8-7 advantage before the ninth inning.

Ninth-Inning Finish

In the bottom of the ninth, Alvarez hit his second home run of the game to center field, scoring Altuve and capping the Astros' comeback. The final score stood at 10-8, with Houston improving to 44-47 and Tampa Bay falling to 52-34.

Josh Hader earned the win for Houston, pitching a perfect ninth inning. Hunter Brown started for the Astros, pitching four innings and allowing six runs. Drew Rasmussen started for the Rays, pitching five innings and allowing five runs.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816023