MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Houston Astros emerged victorious over the Minnesota Twins with a final score of 5-2, showcasing a blend of power hitting and solid pitching. The Astros, who entered the game with a record of 2-4, were looking to bounce back after a disappointing series against the San Francisco Giants, where they lost 6-3. The Twins, also at 2-4, had just defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-1, igniting hopes for a strong home opener.
Christian Walker and Jeremy Peña provided the fireworks for Houston, each hitting a home run early in the game. Brendan Rodgers was the standout performer with three hits and three RBIs, including a critical two-run single that put the Astros ahead for good in the fourth inning.
On the mound, Hunter Brown (2-0) was impressive, bouncing back from an early two-run inning to shut down the Twins for the remainder of the game. He allowed just five hits without issuing a walk while striking out eight batters over six innings, retiring 15 of the last 16 hitters he faced. The relief efforts from Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader, who earned his third save, kept the Twins at bay.
The Twins struck first, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Matt Wallner led off with a drive that got stuck under the padding in right-center field, allowing him to reach third base. He then scored on a groundout by Carlos Correa. Byron Buxton followed with an infield single, stole second base, and scored on Trevor Larnach’s line-drive single to left-center. However, the early lead would not hold as the Astros quickly retaliated.
Walker and Peña's back-to-back homers in the second inning tied the game at 2-2, igniting the Astros' offense. The key moment came in the fourth inning when Rodgers delivered a two-run single after a critical balk by Twins starter Joe Ryan (0-2) moved runners into scoring position. This pivotal play allowed the Astros to capitalize and take control of the game.
Rodgers wasn't done yet; he added another run in the sixth inning with a double that drove in Victor Caratini, extending Houston's lead to 5-2. The Astros' offensive resurgence was a welcome sight after their struggles in previous games, where seven batters in the lineup were hitting below .200.
Ryan, who pitched five innings, allowed five runs on five hits and struck out six batters. The Twins' pitching staff faced an uphill battle against the Astros' lineup, which was eager to prove itself after a rough start to the season.
In a notable performance, Astros' veteran Jose Altuve struck out five times, marking the first five-strikeout game of his illustrious 15-year MLB career. This unusual feat highlighted the challenges he faced against the Twins' pitching.
Looking ahead, the Astros will continue their series against the Twins, with RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-0, 1.50) set to face RHP Bailey Ober (0-1, 27.00) on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they seek to gain momentum in the early part of the season.
The Twins, who have struggled with injuries in recent seasons, are hoping for a turnaround as they host the Astros through April 6 at Target Field. The series presents an opportunity for Minnesota to find its rhythm and capitalize on its home field advantage.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their inconsistencies and find ways to secure victories in a competitive AL landscape. The Astros, with their championship pedigree, and the Twins, eager to reclaim their status, will be key players to watch as the season unfolds.
With the excitement of Major League Baseball in full swing, fans can expect more thrilling matchups ahead as teams battle for supremacy in their divisions. The Astros' performance against the Twins is just one of many storylines to follow as the 2025 season continues.
