Yordan Álvarez hit a pair of homers and the Houston Astros extended their winning streak to 10, shutting out the Minnesota Twins 5-0 Thursday in the second game of the day between the teams.
Venezuelan Luis García and three other relievers combined in a seven-hit feat, also backed by three hits by Dominican Jeremy Peña.
Houston got a sweep of the Twins in three games. Prior to Thursday’s originally scheduled game, the two clubs completed a three-inning rain-suspended game the day before.
José Altuve homered and doubled while driving in three runs in that first game as the Astros won 11-3.
Peña had two hits and drove in three runs in Game 1. The shortstop had 20 RBIs, the most among rookies.
After getting three more hits, Pena left Game 2 in the fourth with what appeared to be a minor knee injury.
Alvarez found a pitch from Josh Winder (2-1) and sent the ball over the center-field wall to give the Astros a 3-0 lead in the third act. The Cuban’s second home run of the day and his tenth of the campaign came in the ninth inning, off Cole Sands.
Garcia (3-1) gave up five hits and walked a pair while striking out nine in five innings to win his second straight start.
Seth Martínez, Blake Taylor and Rafael Montero resolved the last four innings, limiting the depressed Twins to two hits.
Minnesota has scored just 10 runs in six games since shortstop Carlos Correa hurt his finger.
In Wednesday night’s game, the Astros led 5-1 after three innings when play was suspended due to a thunderstorm.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli rejoined the team Thursday after missing a week due to COVID-19. Bench coach Jayce Tingler coached in his absence.
Kyle Tucker also homered.
Dominican Bryan Abreu (2-0) scored the victory in relief of Mexican José Urquidy, who gave up one run in three innings before suspension. Abreu allowed one run and struck out four in two innings.
Chris Archer (0-1) gave up four earned runs, five hits and three walks in three innings.
In the first game, for the Astros, the Venezuelan Altuve 5-2, two runs scored and three RBIs. Cubans Yuli Gurriel 5-1, one scored; and Álvarez 5-2, one scored. The Dominicans Peña 4-2, three RBIs; and José Siri 5-2, one scored.
For the Twins, Dominicans Jorge Polanco 4-2, two RBIs; Gilberto Celestino 4-2, one scored; and Gary Sanchez 3-0. Colombian Gio Urshela 5-0. Puerto Rican José Miranda 5-1.
In the second commitment, for the Astros, the Venezuelan Altuve 5-0. The Dominicans Peña 3-3 with a run scored, Siri 3-1. Cubans Aledmys Díaz 2-0, Álvarez 5-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs.
For the Twins, the Venezuelan Luis Arráez 3-2. The Dominicans Polanco 4-1, Celestino 1-0. Puerto Rican Miranda 4-0.