Peña’s Grand Slam, Alvarez’s Homers Lift Astros Past Marlins 8-5

Decisive Second-Inning Surge

The Houston Astros secured an 8-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, largely due to a four-run explosion in the second inning. The turning point arrived when Peña launched a 340-foot home run to right field. The blast cleared the bases, driving in Diaz, Dezenzo, and Spence to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 lead for the home team.

Prior to that sequence, Miami had taken a 2-0 lead in the same inning when Mack homered 409 feet to right, bringing Marsee home. The Marlins cut the deficit to 2-1 when Trammell singled to right, allowing Wade Jr. to score with Diaz advancing to second base.

However, Alvarez immediately answered for Houston with a solo home run to right center (428 feet), extending the Astros' advantage to 6-2.

Astros Extend Lead in Fourth

Houston added to its margin in the fourth inning. Hicks hit a 393-foot home run to right field, and Edwards crossed the plate to make the score 6-4. Alvarez continued his power display in the fifth inning, hitting another home run to right center (419 feet) for a solo shot that pushed the lead to 7-4.

The Astros extended their lead further in the seventh inning. Altuve singled to center field, allowing Paredes to score and making it 8-4. Miami managed to get on the board in the ninth inning when Hernández singled to left field, scoring Sanoja with Stowers reaching second base. The final score was 8-5.

Pitching Performances

Enyel De Los Santos earned the win for Houston, pitching 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. He allowed one hit and struck out two batters, improving his record to 1-3. Steven Okert recorded the save, pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts.

Bryan Abreu closed out the game with one hit allowed and two strikeouts over his inning. Ronel Blanco started for the Astros, pitching 4.2 innings and striking out eight batters, but took the loss after allowing four earned runs on two hits.

For Miami, Janson Junk took the loss, pitching four innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Lake Bachar pitched one inning, allowing one earned run. Dax Fulton pitched three innings, striking out four batters while allowing one earned run.

Final Details

The game was played at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, with an attendance of 23,684. The victory improves the Houston Astros' record to 48-54. The Miami Marlins fall to 52-49. Josh Hader allowed one earned run on three hits in his inning for Houston.

Sources

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