Houston Astros powered by Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, rally from 3-0 deficit to beat White Sox 6-3

The Houston Astros are in the win column for the first time in the 2023 season following a come-from-behind victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday evening at Minute Maid Park.

The Astros defeated the White Sox 6-3.

Late inning fireworks

Through five innings, the offense was hard to come by for both teams, but especially for the Astros (1-1). Houston had only one hit entering the sixth inning.

The game appeared to be turning in favor of Chicago (1-1) at the top of the sixth when Andrew Benintendi doubled to get on base. Eloy Jimenez followed by also doubling on the next at-bat to bring Benintendi home and make it 2-0. Chicago made it 3-0 on a ground-rule double by Yoan Moncada.

However, the White Sox’s advantage did not last long. Even though Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez both gave the Astros two outs, first baseman Jose Abreu started the rally with a single to center field. Kyle Tucker cut Houston’s deficit to one with a swing of the bat that launched the baseball 437 feet into the air toward center.

After a quiet top of the seventh from Chicago, the Astros stayed hot and took advantage of right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman with two outs. Martin Maldonado drew a walk to flip the lineup. Jeremy Peña took advantage by hitting a single.

With runners on first and second, Bregman drew a walk to load the bases. Alvarez delivered a big hit to record a double and bring home all three base runners, which made it 5-3 in favor of Houston.

The Astros got another insurance run in the eighth from David Hensley, who singled to right and brought Tucker home after he had walked and stolen second.

Room to improve for Javier

Cristian Javier’s first start of the season was not the sharpest showing for the Dominican Republic native. He pitched five innings, allowed eight hits, and gave up three runs.

Javier had six strikeouts in Houston’s win. Javier’s counterpart for Chicago, Lance Lynn, went 5.2 innings and gave up only three hits. He also gave up two runs.

Neither Javier nor Lynn got credited for the win or loss. For the White Sox, the loss was attributed to Graveman. It was right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez who got the victory for the Astros.

News and Notes

•The University of Houston and Clear Brook High School product Corey Julks made his major league debut on Friday. He got his first career hit during his first at-bat in the second inning.

•The Houston Astros all received their rings commemorating the 2022 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, which feature 624 diamonds, 12 orange sapphires, and 43 blue sapphires.

Up Next

The Astros will look to take the 2-1 edge in the four-game series over the White Sox on Saturday. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m., and Jose Urquidy is expected to get the start on the mound for Houston.