Astros prospect homers in third straight game

Unaffected by Triple-A Oklahoma City's day off Wednesday, outfielder Domingo Santana homered for the third straight game Thursday. He hit a solo shot in the eighth inning, helping the RedHawks defeat Nashville, 4-2.

Santana, the Astros' No. 8 prospect and No. 98 overall, finished the night 2-for-3 with two runs and a walk. He also stole his first base of the year.

In 41 games this season, Santana is hitting .296/.359/.500 with six home runs. He is 21 years old, making him one of the youngest players in the Pacific Coast League.

With his eighth-inning blast, Santana became the second player to homer in three straight games this season for Oklahoma City. He joined catcher Max Stassi, the Astros' No. 12 prospect, who accomplished the feat last month.

Santana's streak began Monday when he homered against Colorado Springs. It coincided with his move to the third spot in the order, hitting in front of first baseman Jon Singleton, the Astros' No. 4 prospect. Outfielder George Springer occupied that spot until he was promoted to Houston, while Santana had been hitting behind Singleton.

Thursday's game was also highlighted by a quality start from right-hander Nick Tropeano, who took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The Astros' No. 17 prospect allowed two runs on one hit (a home run) in six innings. He struck out seven batters and walked two.