JUPITER, Fla. — Hunter Brown looked every bit the Opening Day starter Wednesday afternoon, tossing two crisp innings as the Houston Astros earned their first Grapefruit League win with a 4-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
The win moved Houston to 1-2-1 this spring and followed a sluggish offensive start that saw the club score just seven runs over its first four games.
Brown Efficient in First Outing
Making his spring debut, Brown allowed one hit over two scoreless innings, striking out two without issuing a walk. The right-hander needed just 27 pitches to complete his work.
Brown, 27, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he went 12-9 with a 2.43 ERA, ranking second among American League starters in ERA and quality starts (21) while earning his first All-Star selection.
Manager Joe Espada delayed Brown’s game action during the opening week of camp, allowing additional build-up time. Wednesday’s outing suggested he remains on track for his March 26 Opening Day assignment.
Trammell, Janek Lead Offensive Breakthrough
The Astros’ offense showed more life than it had earlier in the week.
Taylor Trammell went 3-for-3 and homered in the fifth inning, raising his spring average to .500 as he continues competing for a bench role.
Cooper Janek added two RBIs in a 2-for-2 performance, while Collin Huezo also drove in a run during a two-hit afternoon. Jack Winkler chipped in a hit and a stolen base.
Houston broke through with two runs in the fourth inning, added one in the seventh, and tacked on an insurance run in the eighth. After managing just four hits in Tuesday’s tie against the Mets, the Astros finished with seven on Wednesday.
Joe Sacco Jr. also went 3-for-3 from the lower third of the lineup, continuing a strong early showing as roster battles take shape.
Bullpen Finishes the Job
Following Brown’s exit, Houston’s bullpen covered the final seven innings.
Jayden Murray rebounded from his previous outing with two scoreless frames and two strikeouts. Rule 5 right-hander Roddery Muñoz allowed the Marlins’ lone run in the third inning, surrendering two hits and two walks.
Logan VanWey, Alimber Santa, and Sam Dombroski combined for 3.1 scoreless innings to close out the win, with Dombroski credited with the save.
Houston will split its squad Thursday, hosting the Mets at CACTI Park while another group travels to face the Cardinals in Jupiter. Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is scheduled to start the home game against New York, marking his first official appearance for the Astros as the club continues sorting through rotation depth. His splitter will be one pitch to watch.