Astros Survive Marlins Rally Behind Peña’s Grand Slam, Alvarez’s Power

Astros Break Open Second Inning

Houston Astros secured an 8-5 victory over the Miami Marlins at Daikin Park on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, driven by significant offensive production in the second inning. The Astros, playing as the home team, erased an early deficit and built a commanding lead before the Miami Marlins attempted a late comeback.

The game began with Miami taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Mack hit a 409-foot home run to right field, driving in Marsee. However, the momentum shifted rapidly. Trammell’s single to right allowed Wade Jr. to score, making it 2-1.

The inning turned decisively when Peña launched a 340-foot home run to right field. This blast cleared the bases, scoring Diaz, Dezenzo, and Spence to give Houston a 6-2 advantage. Alvarez immediately followed with a 428-foot home run to right center, extending the lead to 7-2.

Alvarez Adds Another, Hicks Responds

Miami managed to narrow the gap in the fourth inning. Hicks hit a 393-foot home run to right field, bringing Edwards home and making the score 6-4. The Astros answered in the fifth inning when Alvarez hit his second home run of the game, a 419-foot shot to right center, pushing the score to 8-4.

In the seventh inning, Altuve singled to center field, allowing Paredes to score, though the final tally remained unchanged at 8-4 until the ninth inning.

Marlins Rally in Ninth, But Fall Short

The Miami Marlins made a late push in the ninth inning. Hernández singled to left field, allowing Sanoja to score and putting Stowers on second base. This run made the final score 8-5. Despite the late scoring, the Astros held on for the win.

Pitching Decisions and Final Stats

Enyel De Los Santos earned the win for Houston, pitching 1.1 innings with no earned runs allowed. He was supported by Ronel Blanco, who pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out eight batters. Steven Okert recorded his 13th save, pitching a perfect inning. Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader also pitched for Houston, with Hader allowing one earned run in his inning.

For Miami, Janson Junk took the loss, pitching 4.0 innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits. Lake Bachar pitched one inning, allowing one earned run, and Dax Fulton pitched three innings, allowing one earned run. The final attendance at Daikin Park was 23,684. The Astros improved their record to 48-54, while the Marlins fell to 52-49.

Sources

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