BALTIMORE -- Yordan Alvarez drilled his MLB lead-tying 12th homer and had three hits, Cam Smith added a three-run shot and the Astros routed the Orioles, 11-5, in Game 2 on Thursday at Camden Yards to earn a split in their first doubleheader in nearly four years.
Dustin Harris drove in three -- two on a single that preceded Smith’s shot during a five-run first inning off O's starter Brandon Young -- as Houston tied a season high with 11 runs.
Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz also drove in add-on runs as the ‘Stros avoided the sweep following a 10-3 defeat in Game 1. Every Astros starter had at least one hit and eight of the nine scored a run.
As a group, the Space City offense outhit the O’s 27-12 across their first twin bill since July 21, 2022 -- a rare scheduled doubleheader at home against the Yankees.
Lance McCullers Jr. (2-2, 6.32 ERA) struck out nine over a season-long six innings of work, allowing only two hits and four walks. All three of his runs allowed came in the fourth before recovering to ease the burden on a relief corps that allowed eight men to score while grinding through 3 2/3 innings in Game 1.