Yordan Alvarez delivered his 15th homer of the season on Saturday, May 17, as the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 at Minute Maid Park.
Alvarez’s solo blast came off Jacob deGrom, who fell short of the 100‑win milestone, while Houston matched its season‑high with four longballs.
Game recap
Houston erupted early, piling up four home runs in the first three innings. Jose Altuve opened the game with his 42nd leadoff homer, followed by Christian Walker, Zach Cole and finally Yordan Alvarez, who supplied the decisive run. DeGrom allowed just two runs over five innings, surrendering the four homers – a rarity in his 257‑start career. Reliever Bryan Abreu closed the night, recording his second save by stranding two runners in the eighth and inducing a fielder’s choice in the ninth.
Power surge and deGrom
Yordan Alvarez’s slugging percentage rose to .581 after the blast, a modest edge over his .578 mark in 2022. At 28, he has accumulated 1,200 career hits and 220 home runs, cementing his reputation as a clutch middle‑of‑the‑order threat. The numbers reveal a noticeable jump in his walk rate, now 9.2% of pitches versus 7.4% two seasons ago, which fuels Houston’s on‑base potential.
Jacob deGrom’s ERA entered the game at 3.12 and slipped to 3.20 after the five‑inning outing. The loss left his career win total at 99, keeping him one win away from joining the elite 100‑win club.
What’s next for Houston
With the 4-1 win, the Astros improved to 38-32, remaining within a half‑game of the AL West lead. Manager Joe Espada now has a deeper lineup option as the trade deadline approaches, and the bullpen’s recent 2.85 ERA over ten games positions the club well for upcoming challenges.
Houston’s next test arrives Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, a series that could strain the staff after three consecutive high‑leverage outings.
Key developments
- Jacob deGrom’s career win total stayed at 99 after the loss, keeping him one win away from the 100‑win club.
- The Astros’ four‑home‑run outburst matched the most they have recorded in a single game this season.
- Alvarez’s 15th homer moved him into a tie for third place among active players for most home runs before the All‑Star break.
- Houston’s bullpen logged a combined 2.85 ERA over the past ten games, the lowest among AL West clubs, highlighting its role in preserving narrow victories.
How many home runs has Yordan Alvarez hit this season?
Yordan Alvarez has launched 15 homers, placing him among the top five power hitters in the American League as of mid‑May.
What was Jacob deGrom’s ERA after the May 17 start?
DeGrom entered the game with a 3.12 ERA; the five innings against Houston raised it to 3.20.
Who recorded the Astros’ last save before Bryan Abreu on May 17?
The previous save was credited to Ryan Pressly on May 12 against the Minnesota Twins, preserving a three‑run ninth‑inning lead (general MLB records).
How does Alvarez’s slugging compare to his 2022 season?
Alvarez’s current .581 slugging percentage exceeds his 2022 mark of .578, indicating a slight uptick in power production despite a lower batting average.