League date: August 15, 2027

HOUSTON, TX — Daikin Park — The Houston Astros ended their seven-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, crushing the Detroit Tigers 12-1. The loss also snapped Detroit’s seven-game winning streak.

Houston’s victory came at a critical time. The Astros began the month holding the second AL Wild Card spot, but their recent slide dropped them one game behind the Athletics and Kansas City Royals, who are tied in the Wild Card standings behind Cleveland.

Yordan Alvarez powered the Astros’ offense, smashing two home runs and driving in six. Houston built a 5-0 lead through four innings before erupting for four more runs in the sixth to blow the game open, 9-0.

Detroit starter Jackson Jobe saw his recent hot streak come to an end. Seeking his 11th victory, Jobe lasted five innings and surrendered five runs. The Tigers’ bullpen fared no better, allowing seven more runs over the final three innings.

Detroit’s only run came in the eighth when Dillon Dingler launched his 15th home run of the season. Astros starter Cristian Javier (7-11) earned the victory with six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five.

AS IT STANDS…

Despite the loss, the Tigers (74-51) remain two games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians (72-53) in the AL Central and six ahead of the Royals (68-57). The Astros (67-58) remain a distant 11 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West but are just one game behind the Athletics in the race for second place in the division.