The first-place Astros face the Guardians on June 8, 2025, with Brandon Walter making his debut and Jeremy Peña's hit streak on the line. Can they win the series?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
All eyes are on Cleveland today as the Houston Astros, fresh off reclaiming the top spot in the AL West, battle the Guardians in the rubber match of their series. With momentum on their side after a dramatic extra-inning win Saturday, the team is making a bold move, giving left-hander Brandon Walter his official Astros debut on the mound in this crucial Sunday showdown.
Jeremy Peña enters today's game with a 13-game hitting streak, just one shy of matching his career-long 14-game streak from earlier this season.
The Astros are putting their faith in a fresh face for the series finale. Left-hander Brandon Walter, who was just added to the taxi squad on Saturday, is making his first start for Houston. It's a trial by fire as he gets the start against Cleveland's Tanner Bibee in a game with significant divisional implications. Fans are eager to see what the lefty (0-0, 0.00 ERA) brings to the rotation as the team continues to find new ways to win.
This series isn't just another weekend set; it's a statement. With a stellar 34-28 record, the Astros have officially leapfrogged the Seattle Mariners to take their rightful place atop the AL West. The team is scorching hot, having won eight of their last ten contests, including Saturday's gritty 5-3 victory in 10 innings. That win showcased the team's resilience, a quality that has defined their recent surge in the standings.
The team's success is being fueled by standout individual performances. While Hunter Brown didn't get the decision Saturday, he was absolutely electric, fanning nine Guardians over 5 1/3 innings and allowing just one run. He remains tied for the MLB lead with eight wins, a testament to his ace-level stuff. Meanwhile, at the plate, Jeremy Peña just keeps hitting. He extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a key RBI infield single on Saturday and is now just one game shy of tying his career-best mark. His consistency has been a major spark for the offense.
As the action unfolds live on ESPN, the Astros have a golden opportunity to win another series and solidify their lead in the division. With a new arm on the mound and key players firing on all cylinders, this team is proving why they are perennial contenders. A win today would send a clear message to the rest of the league: the road to the AL West title still runs through Houston.
