Altuve Comes Back Strong To Help Twins Beat Astros 7-5
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jose Altuve had four hits following a brief absence from the lineup, Carlos Correa homered and drove in four runs, and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 7-5 on Tuesday night.
Altuve was given the night off during Monday's series opener, ending the longest active streak in the majors at 202 consecutive games played. He didn't miss a beat one day later, going 4 for 4 with a run and an RBI. His third hit helped spark a three-run sixth inning for the Astros, and his fourth drove in Tony Kemp for a 6-4 lead in the seventh.
The All-Star second baseman has reached base safely in 39 straight road games, the longest current run in the majors.
Correa hit a two-run shot and tied his career high for RBIs. Houston had gone seven games without a home run before he connected four batters in Tuesday. Correa went deep to left field off Twins starter Hector Santiago for an early 2-0 lead.
Astros starter Mike Fiers (8-5) gave up three home runs — he allowed four total in his previous eight starts — but benefited from a good night at the plate from his offense. Fiers entered ranked fifth in the American League in run support (6.75 runs per game).
Santiago (10-6) took the loss in his first home game for Minnesota and second start with his new team. Santiago was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels for right-hander Ricky Nolasco and made his Twins debut in Cleveland.
The Twins hit back-to-back homers off Fiers in the fifth to take a 4-2 lead. Robbie Grossman hit a two-run shot to right, and Brian Dozier followed with his 23rd of the year. It was the 10th time this season Minnesota went back-to-back, the third-most in team history.
Houston reliever Ken Giles allowed a run in the ninth but earned his second save in five opportunities this year. Minnesota's lineup finished 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Astros: RHP Luke Gregerson (left oblique strain) will throw an "aggressive" bullpen session on Wednesday, manager A.J. Hinch said. Gregerson could return as early as Friday.
UP NEXT
AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56 ERA) starts Wednesday for Houston in the third game of the series. Keuchel pitched a three-hit shutout his last time out against Texas. Minnesota will send Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62) to the mound.
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