The injury-plagued Astros crushed the Twins 10-3 on June 14, 2025, as Jeremy Peña's 4 hits and rookie heroics proved Houston's depth is unmatched.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
If you were worried about the 11 names on the Astros' injured list, Saturday night's performance should put your mind at ease. The Houston Astros didn't just beat the Minnesota Twins; they dismantled them in a 10-3 thrashing at Daikin Park, proving that this team's depth is its greatest weapon. Behind a four-hit masterclass from Jeremy Peña and huge nights from Jose Altuve and a pair of rookies, the Astros jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña was simply unstoppable, tying his season high with a four-hit night that set the tone for the entire offense.
The story of this winning streak has been the emergence of Houston's rookies, and Saturday was their showcase. Left-hander Colton Gordon, thrust into the rotation by injuries, delivered the best start of his young career. He went a career-high six innings, allowing just two runs and striking out five to earn his second win. On the offensive side, fellow rookie Jacob Melton made his presence felt in a huge way. The recent call-up drove in three runs, highlighted by a clutch two-run triple in the third inning that blew the game open. With players like Ronel Blanco, Hayden Wesneski, and Spencer Arrighetti on the shelf, seeing Gordon and Melton step up isn't just a relief; it's a statement.
While the rookies were shining, the veterans were leading the charge. Jeremy Peña continued his torrid pace at the plate, collecting four hits to tie his season high and spark multiple rallies. Not to be outdone, Jose Altuve was a force, driving in three runs and launching a solo home run. The offense as a whole is clicking, racking up four more doubles to bring their total to an incredible 15 over the last three games. With contributions up and down the lineup, including two hits and two RBIs from Cam Smith, this offense looks unstoppable.
Let's put this win in perspective. The Astros have now won three straight games, all while navigating an injury crisis that would cripple most teams. They're doing it with grit, determination, and an endless supply of talent from their system. The result? Their lead in the AL West has now swelled to a comfortable 4.5 games. This stretch is proving that the Astros aren't just a team of stars; they're a deep, resilient organization built to withstand adversity and keep on winning.
The Astros will look to keep the momentum rolling and go for the series win on Sunday. And they're sending their ace to the mound to do it. Hunter Brown, boasting a stellar 1.82 ERA, will face off against the Twins' Joe Ryan in what promises to be a fantastic pitching duel. If the offense stays this hot, Houston is in a prime position to secure another victory and further solidify its spot atop the division.