HOUSTON, TX – April 30, 2025 – The Detroit Tigers broke out offensively to avoid a three-game sweep at Daikin Park, defeating the Houston Astros 7-4 last night. A decisive grand slam from Javier Báez highlighted the Tigers’ victory.
Astros rookie starter AJ Blubaugh (0-1), making his Major League debut, took the loss after giving up seven runs (two earned) on five hits over four innings. All five unearned runs in the critical third inning were due to a throwing error by Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. For the Tigers, Jackson Jobe started, going three innings and allowing three runs. Reliever Brenan Hanifee (2-0) earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Tommy Kahnle (5th save) closed out the game.
The Astros actually started strong, with Jeremy Peña hitting a leadoff solo home run in the bottom of the first inning, giving Houston a 1-0 lead.
However, the Tigers quickly responded in the second, with Colt Keith hitting a two-run home run to put them up 2-1.
The decisive blow came in the top of the third inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Javier Báez hit his ninth career grand slam off Blubaugh, extending Detroit’s lead dramatically to 7-1. This five-run inning was largely unearned due to a critical error earlier in the frame.
The Astros attempted to rally in the later innings. Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the fifth, making it 7-3, and Victor Caratini added a solo home run in the seventh, bringing the score to 7-4. However, Detroit’s bullpen held firm, preventing any further comeback.
The Astros outhit the Tigers 9-7 but left 12 runners on base and struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-10.
The loss snapped the Astros’ four-game winning streak and meant they won the series against the Tigers 2-1, but could not complete the sweep. Their record now stands at 16-14.