Astros top Rockies 6-5 on July 2, 2025, as Victor Caratini's grand slam and Josh Hader's historic save lead Houston to another thrilling road win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Houston Astros just keep finding ways to win. In a nail-biter at the notoriously tricky Coors Field, it was Victor Caratini's third-inning grand slam that provided the fireworks and closer Josh Hader who slammed the door, setting a franchise record in a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win marks Houston's seventh in their last eight games as the team continues its torrid pace through the summer.
24-for-24: Josh Hader's perfect start to the season sets a new Astros franchise record for consecutive saves.
The thin air of Denver did not disappoint. After falling behind 1-0, the Astros roared back in the third inning. A bases-loaded, no-out situation brought Victor Caratini to the plate, and he delivered the decisive blow, launching his third career grand slam to give Houston a commanding lead. Christian Walker stayed hot, adding a 3-for-4 night with an RBI, while Jake Meyers also chipped in. While the Rockies clawed back, the Astros bullpen was stellar, with Bryan Abreu striking out the side in a dominant eighth inning to set the stage for the ninth. On a quieter note, Jose Altuve went hitless, leaving him just one knock shy of tying Jeff Bagwell for second on the franchise's all-time hits list—a milestone fans are eagerly awaiting.
When the Astros signed Josh Hader, this is exactly what they envisioned. The closer has been nothing short of automatic, and on Tuesday night, he made history. By securing the 6-5 win, Hader recorded his 24th save in as many opportunities to start the 2025 season. This breaks the club record for the longest consecutive save streak to open a campaign, cementing his status as the most dominant closer in the game right now. In a season defined by resilience, Hader has been the ultimate anchor.
Even as the wins pile up, the front office isn't standing still. With Yordan Alvarez suffering a recent setback and Jeremy Peña still recovering from a rib fracture, general manager Dana Brown has made it clear the team is in the market for upgrades. Reports indicate the Astros are targeting a left-handed bat to bolster the lineup, another starting pitcher, and more bullpen depth. With a strong farm system, the team has assets to make a move, and top prospect Brice Matthews has been mentioned as a potential trade chip to acquire impact talent for the stretch run.
While one top prospect might be trade bait, the strength of the Astros' farm system was on full display with a major announcement. Infielder Brice Matthews and right-handed pitcher Alimber Santa have been selected to represent the organization in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. Matthews, who is being groomed at second base, is having a monster year at Triple-A Sugar Land, hitting .285 with 10 homers and 23 stolen bases. Santa has been lights-out on the mound, posting a minuscule 1.27 ERA with 50 strikeouts. It's a fantastic honor for both players and a testament to the talent pipeline.
More good news is brewing on the injury front. The pitching staff, hit hard by injuries this year, is getting closer to full strength. Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Spencer Arrighetti are all making significant progress in their rehabs. Garcia and Javier both recently threw live batting practice sessions, while Arrighetti has resumed bullpen work. All three are targeting returns sometime in July or early August, providing a massive internal boost that could feel like a trade deadline acquisition in itself.
With the team firing on all cylinders, reinforcements on the horizon, and the front office actively working the phones, this is a pivotal stretch for the Astros. All eyes will be on Jose Altuve's next at-bat as he chases history, and on general manager Dana Brown as the July 31 trade deadline inches closer. The Astros are building momentum at the perfect time, signaling they are serious contenders for another deep October run.
