What changed
2026-07-29 08:41 UTC → 2026-07-30 08:31 UTC ·
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Yordan Alvarez's Astros power surge sweep Angels, close gap on Rangers
In mid‑July 2026, designated hitter Following Yordan Alvarez set a Houston Astros franchise record by hitting his 30th Alvarez’s mid‑July power surge—30th home run before the All‑Star break. A week later he continued his surge, launching break and a 427‑foot blast — his season‑leading 35th of homer with a go‑ahead RBI single—the Houston Astros kept the year momentum. On July 28 they edged the Los Angeles Angels 3–2, with Alvarez’s blast and Josh Hader’s 14th save. The next day the league lead — Astros completed a three‑game sweep, winning 7–4 in the Anaheim. Rookie right‑hander Hayden Wesneski earned his first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels. He later delivered major‑league start and the go‑ahead RBI single win after returning from Tommy John surgery. Yainer Diaz went 4‑for‑5 with a homer, three RBIs and two outs in the ninth, securing runs, while Jeremy Peña also homered and Cam Smith added a 3–2 win. two‑run double. Bryan Abreu recorded his seventh save. The victory was lifted Houston to a .500 record (55‑55) for the Astros’ seventh win in eight games, keeping them two games behind first time since early April and moved the club to within one game of the Texas Rangers in for the AL West. Reliever Steven Okert earned West lead, underscoring the win team’s balanced offensive firepower and Josh Hader recorded his 14th save, highlighting Houston’s strong bullpen as the team presses toward the division lead. race tightens.