Alex Bregman hit a three-run home run and the Houston Astros barely held on to defeat the Minnesota Twins 13-midnight on Friday, despite almost losing an eight-run lead in the ninth inning.
Jeremy Peña contributed three hits, scored three times, and drove in three runs to help the Astros secure their 13th victory in five games. They have the best record in Major League Baseball since June 1, going 21-9 during that span.
Jose Altuve, the All-Star second baseman, exited the game in the eighth inning after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch. Although X-rays showed no serious injury, he is listed as day-to-day with a bruised wrist.
The Twins staged a dramatic comeback attempt in the ninth inning, scoring seven runs after falling behind 13-5 when Houston added three runs. Josh Hader entered the game with two outs and surrendered a grand slam to Carlos Correa before striking out Manuel Margot to earn his 15th save of the season.
Jose Miranda, the Twins’ designated hitter, went 4 for 4 in the game, setting a team record with 10 consecutive hits. This streak surpasses the previous records set by Tony Oliva in 1967, Mickey Hatcher in 1985, and Todd Walker in 1998. However, Miranda was pinch-hit for in the ninth inning, keeping his streak active.
Astros starter Shawn Dubin pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs. This was Dubin’s second start after making 14 relief appearances, as the Astros aim to integrate him into their starting rotation amid injuries to five starting pitchers currently on the injured list.
Houston used six relievers to finish the game, with Bryan King earning his first career win (1-0). On the Twins side, Pablo López (8-7) gave up six earned runs over five-plus innings, raising his ERA to 5.18.
In the second inning, Houston scored three runs on four singles, but Minnesota quickly responded with two runs and threatened to score more before Dubin walked Willi Castro with two outs, making the score 3-2.
