On a night filled with extraordinary plays, Houston Astros' second baseman Jose Altuve recorded the franchise's first cycle since 2013 in an unforgettable match against the Boston Red Sox. Altuve, known for his consistency and drive, managed to double in the third inning, single in the fifth, triple in the sixth, and homer in the eighth, showcasing his diverse skill set.
Altuve's Stellar Performance
Altuve's performance was instrumental in driving the team's offense. He drove in four runs, tying him with Yordan Alvarez for the most among Astros players. This feat is even more impressive considering that both Altuve and Alvarez had recently returned from oblique injuries on July 26. Despite missing 17 games, Altuve's form since his return has been exceptional, boasting a .365/.451/.522 slash line in 29 games.
The Return of Yordan Alvarez
Yordan Alvarez, who was absent for a significant 39 games, had cooled since his first week back. However, he managed to strike four hits and reach base five times in his fourth career four-hit game. These performances indicate a promising return to form for the player.
Brandon Barnes: The Last Cycle
The last Astro to hit for the cycle was Brandon Barnes on July 19, 2013, making Altuve's achievement all the more notable. Other players who have hit for the cycle this season include Luis Arraez, Cedric Mullins, J.T. Realmuto, and Elly De La Cruz, putting Altuve in esteemed company.
A Tough Night for Cristian Javier
While the Astros' batting lineup shone, it was a challenging night for starter Cristian Javier. Javier lasted just over four innings and allowed four runs on six hits. This marks the sixth time in his last 11 outings that Javier failed to complete five innings, a concerning statistic for the pitcher. His ERA in that span is 7.46.
In his last 50 2/3 innings, Javier has struck out 43 batters, walked 32, and allowed 12 home runs. Known for favoring his fastball, which he throws 58% of the time, Javier found the Boston hitters ready and waiting. They swung at 32 of the 60 fastballs Javier threw, while only swinging at 12 of the 40 off-speed pitches.
Despite the mixed results on the mound, the night belonged to Altuve and the Astros. With key players like Altuve and Alvarez finding their rhythm after injury, the Astros look well-positioned for the remainder of the season.