Framber Valdez struck out 10 batters and gave up one run in seven innings, while rookie Joey Loperfido hit a home run and a triple to help the Houston Astros win 9-1 against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.
Valdez, now with an 8-5 record, allowed only six singles and extended his winning streak to three games.
“His curveball was a key pitch today,” said manager Joe Espada. “He threw it early in the count and got strikeouts with it. He pitched really well.”
Loperfido’s two-run homer contributed to the Astros scoring four runs in the second inning against Bryan Hoeing (0-2), giving them a 5-0 lead. His first triple in the majors came in the fourth inning.
The Astros have now won eight consecutive games at home and eight of their last 11 overall, improving their record to 48-44.
“The most important thing is to keep winning, and that’s what the team is doing,” Valdez said through a translator. “Win, win, win—it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. As long as we keep winning, we know we can achieve our goals.”
Miami’s only run came from rookie Xavier Edwards, who had two hits in the game.
Hoeing, who primarily appears in relief, gave up eight hits and five runs (four earned) in three innings during his second start of the season.
“I thought his overall stuff was decent,” commented Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. “But he left some pitches over the plate when runners were in scoring position, and a good team like Houston takes advantage of that.”
Jose Altuve led off with a single, followed by a walk to Yordan Alvarez. Both runners stole a base, and Altuve scored on a single by Yainer Diaz to put the Astros up 1-0. Alvarez tried to score as well but was thrown out at home.
Jon Singleton started the Astros’ second inning with a single and scored on Jake Meyers’ double to center field, which bounced off the wall after Jazz Chisholm Jr. made contact with it.
