The Houston Astros accomplished a significant feat by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 on Sunday, achieving their first three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium since May 2008. This victory was fueled by home runs from Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz, and Jose Altuve, as well as a strong six-inning performance from pitcher Ryan Gusto.
The game saw the Astros take control in the sixth inning when Zack Short, batting ninth, drew a two-out bases-loaded walk off reliever Will Klein, pushing the score to 2-1. In the eighth, both Walker and Diaz hit back-to-back homers against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott, extending the Astros’ lead to 4-1. Altuve added a solo homer in the ninth off Anthony Banda, marking a significant offensive display as the Astros improved their record to a major league-best 24-8 since June 1.
Gusto, despite not being overpowering with just one strikeout and giving up one run on four hits, managed to stifle the Dodgers’ key players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, who combined for only two hits in 12 at-bats against him. In relief, Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, and Bennett Sousa each contributed with scoreless innings.
The Dodgers initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Dalton Rushing drove in Michael Conforto, but the Astros equalized later in the third with Altuve’s sacrifice fly. Emmet Sheehan, making his second major league start after Tommy John surgery, pitched solidly for the Dodgers, allowing one run in five innings.
A key moment in the game came in the eighth inning when Taylor Trammell made a spectacular sliding catch of Freddie Freeman’s hard-hit liner, maintaining the Astros’ 4-1 lead. Notable statistics include Walker’s impressive .349 batting average at Dodger Stadium, further establishing him as a standout performer in this venue.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are set to face the Brewers with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound, while the Astros will host the Guardians featuring left-hander Colton Gordon. With this victory, the Astros continue to showcase their strength, positioning themselves well for the remainder of the season.