BALTIMORE. – Dominican outfielder Jesús Sánchez emerged from a long 29-0 offensive slump with a memorable performance of five hits in five at-bats, including a run-scoring single, to lead the Houston Astros’ 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
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Sánchez, who arrived in Houston at the trade deadline, thus recorded the
second five-hit game of his career, after achieving it on September 17, 2024 with the Marlins against the Dodgers.
“I know I can have another bad streak tomorrow, but I also trust that I am a good hitter,” the Dominican said after the game.
The Astros’ offensive awakening included two-run homers by
Christian Walker and
Yainer Díaz, punishing early starter
Brandon Young (1-7), who allowed seven runs in just three innings. With this victory, Houston ended a four-game losing streak and extended their lead over the Mariners in the
American League West to two games.
By Houston,
Jason Alexander (4-1) was credited with the victory after working 5.1 innings, in which he allowed eight hits and two runs, including the first home run in the Major Leagues by prospect
Dylan Beavers.
The Astros manager,
Joe Espada, valued the adjustment of his hitters against a pitcher who had dominated them days earlier. “We had more control of our at-bats, we hit the ball hard to all sectors. It was a great collective adjustment”, he pointed out.
Although his numbers in Houston are still lagging (.215 average), Sánchez continues to work on mechanical modifications to his swing and has received the backing of the coaching staff. “They tell me that I don’t have to carry the whole team, that I should seek support from veterans like Altuve, Correa, and Peña,” he commented.
With the series tied, the Astros will look to maintain their offensive momentum this Friday in the second game against the Orioles.
