Imai Dominates with Eight Ks
Tatsuya Imai delivered a standout performance on the mound for the Houston Astros, striking out eight batters over six innings of work. He allowed four hits and one earned run while walking three, securing the win and improving his record to 6-4.
Imai’s ability to miss bats was a key factor in keeping the Miami Marlins offense in check during the early and middle stages of the game. He was supported by the Astros' bullpen, which included AJ Blubaugh, Bennett Sousa, and Josh Hader. Blubaugh pitched one inning, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out three.
Sousa earned the save with a perfect inning of relief, and Hader closed the game with a scoreless frame, earning his 11th save of the season.
Early Marlins Lead
The Miami Marlins jumped out to an early advantage in the first inning when Peña homered to left-center field, measuring 405 feet. The home run was initially called out on the field, but an umpire review overturned the call, awarding the run to Miami. This gave the Marlins a 1-0 lead that held until the second inning.
In the bottom of the second, the Astros tied the game when Spence doubled to right field, driving in Wade Jr. while Walker advanced to third. The score remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the fifth inning, when the Astros’ offense exploded. Stowers doubled to center, scoring Lopez to give Houston a 2-1 lead.
Immediately following that, Paredes launched a three-run home run to left field (388 feet), blasting Peña and Alvarez home to extend the Astros’ advantage to 5-1.
