The Astros built a commanding 7-1 lead by the third inning against Orioles rookie starter Brandon Young, who just six days earlier had nearly thrown a perfect game against Houston. Walker’s two-run homer in the first inning set the tone, and Carlos Correa followed with a two-run single in the second. In the third, Díaz homered with a runner on base after Sánchez delivered an RBI single, capping the offensive surge.
Sánchez, who was acquired from Miami at the trade deadline, ended an 0-for-29 drought with a first-inning single and finished 5-for-5, matching his career high for hits in a game. The Astros also got a boost from Victor Caratini, who broke his own 0-for-17 skid with a single in the second inning.
On the mound, Jason Alexander (4-1) delivered 5 1/3 solid innings, allowing two runs and eight hits. Since joining Houston from Oakland on waivers in May, Alexander has posted a 4-1 record and a save across eight appearances. For Baltimore, Young (1-7) struggled, giving up seven runs on nine hits before exiting in the sixth with a hamstring injury.
For the Orioles, Dylan Beavers hit his first major league home run in the second inning and added an RBI groundout in the sixth. Baltimore entered the series on a three-game win streak and had won six of their last seven, including taking two out of three against Houston the previous weekend.
Looking ahead, Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (2-4, 6.90 ERA) is set to face Orioles lefty Cade Povich (2-6, 4.98 ERA) in the next matchup. For more in-depth statistics and play-by-play coverage, visit CBS Sports Game Recap.
This win was crucial for the Astros as they look to maintain momentum in the AL West, while the Orioles aim to bounce back after a rare home loss in what has otherwise been a strong stretch for the team.