The Houston Astros secured an 11-5 victory against the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 7-0 in games started by Yusei Kikuchi. Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña both hit home runs in the game, with Altuve contributing three hits and scoring three runs. Peña’s three-run homer in the sixth inning highlighted a five-run surge for the Astros.

With a comfortable 4 1/2-game lead in the AL West over Seattle, Houston continued their strong performance. On the other hand, the Diamondbacks, who have lost three consecutive games and seven of their last ten, were leading the Braves and Mets by 1 1/2 games for the second National League wild card spot.

Kikuchi pitched six innings, allowing four runs and striking out six batters. Since joining the Astros in late July from the Toronto Blue Jays, Kikuchi has maintained a 3.07 ERA and a 32.1% strikeout rate.

Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez struggled in the game, giving up four earned runs in just four innings and facing a total of 10 batters. Houston capitalized on Rodriguez’s performance, rallying for four runs in the fourth inning to take the lead.

The Astros’ offense was led by Yordan Alvarez, who had three hits and is currently batting .410 with 13 RBIs in his last 10 games. Eugenio Suárez hit his 25th home run for the Diamondbacks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Astros’ offensive outburst.

Looking ahead, Houston’s Justin Verlander is set to face off against Arizona’s Ryne Nelson in the series finale on Sunday night. Diamondbacks’ C José Herrera returned to the lineup after being hit on the back of the helmet in the previous game. Astros’ RF Kyle Tucker and INF Mauricio Dubón are both dealing with injuries but are expected to be available if needed.

The series conclusion is eagerly anticipated as the Astros aim to maintain their winning streak against the Diamondbacks.