Altuve homers twice in milestone game as Astros down Indians

HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve celebrated the 10th anniversary of his major league debut with a leadoff homer, and made the milestone twice as nice with a second shot on his next at-bat, leading the Houston Astros to a 9-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Altuve went 1 for 5 with a single in his debut for the Astros in a 3-2 victory over Washington on July 20, 2011, as a baby-faced 21 year old.

On Tuesday night, the now married father of two daughters outshined that inauspicious start in his first at-bat when he connected off rookie Triston McKenzie (1-4) for his seventh leadoff homer this season to put Houston up early.

Altuve’s second homer sailed down the left field line, and he stood at home plate for several seconds watching to see if it would stay fair before beginning his trot to first base as the ball clanged off the foul pole.

Kyle Tucker added a two-run homer as Houston broke the game open with a six-run fifth inning that made it 8-0, and the Astros sailed to their third straight win.

Luis Garcia (7-5) continued his strong season, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings and tying a career high with eight strikeouts for the win.

In between his homers, Altuve, who leads the Astros with 22 home runs, wowed on defense. Ernie Clement hit a liner to start the third, and Altuve made a leaping behind-the-back catch to rob him of a hit.

Altuve, who at 5-foot-6 was repeatedly told he was too small to play in the majors before signing with the Astros, reflected on how far he’s come before the game.

“It’s one thing to dream as a kid to play in the big leagues and another thing is actually making that dream come true,” he said. “This is way better than what you dream.”

Altuve was honored with a pregame video highlighting some of the many highlights...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Altuve-homers-twice-in-milestone-game-as-Astros-16328453.php