DENVER — The Houston Astros secured a victory over the Colorado Rockies with a 5-3 win on Wednesday night, marking their 12th consecutive series win. Integral to the win, Jose Altuve’s decisive two-run single in the sixth inning not only gave the Astros a 4-2 lead but also elevated him to second place on the franchise’s career hits list with 2,315 hits, surpassing Jeff Bagwell. The Astros’ all-time leader is Craig Biggio, boasting 3,060 career hits.
On the mound, Hunter Brown delivered an impressive performance, allowing two runs on six hits across six innings. With eight strikeouts, Brown joined Lance McCullers Jr. in achieving at least 500 strikeouts within their first 86 appearances for the Astros. Bennett Sousa was effective in closing the game, securing his third save.
The game began with Jake Meyers hitting a one-out double in the first inning off Austin Gomber, followed by consecutive singles from Altuve and Cam Smith, giving the Astros an early 1-0 advantage. Rookie Shay Whitcomb expanded the lead with a 451-foot home run to left-center field in the second inning, putting Houston ahead 2-0.
In a pivotal sixth inning, Cooper Hummel singled and Mauricio Dubón earned a walk, setting the stage for Altuve’s critical two-out hit off Jake Bird, which brought both runners home. Smith then contributed an RBI single, increasing the Astros’ lead to 5-2.
For the Rockies, Thairo Estrada had a standout performance, going 3 for 4, and scored prior to Mickey Moniak’s 12th home run, which tied the game at 2-2 in the second inning. Gomber pitched five innings, conceding two runs on eight hits.
The Astros are currently on a roll, having won three consecutive games and 16 of their last 21. A key moment in the game was Brown’s strikeout of Hunter Goodman for his 500th career strikeout, followed by a strikeout of Jordan Beck on a swift 99.8 mph fastball, his fastest pitch this season.
Despite the loss, the Rockies continue to struggle at home, having lost all 14 series played at home this season and dropping the first two games 13 times.
Looking ahead to the series finale, Astros LHP Brandon Walter (1-1, 3.34 ERA) is set to face off against Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-9, 5.56 ERA).