HOUSTON, TX – May 30, 2025 – The Houston Astros got their revenge and evened their four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, securing a thrilling 2-1 walk-off victory last night at Daikin Park.
Framber Valdez delivered a masterful complete game, and Yainer Díaz provided the decisive blow.
Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (5-4) was the star of the show, pitching a brilliant complete game, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk while striking out nine. He kept the Rays’ potent offense completely off balance for nine innings. For the Rays, Ryan Pepiot pitched well in a no-decision effort, going 6.2 scoreless innings. The loss went to reliever Garrett Cleavinger (0-1), who gave up the walk-off homer.
The Rays struck first and early. In the top of the first inning, José Caballero launched a solo home run to left field off Valdez, giving Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead.
That 1-0 lead held for a long time, as both Valdez and Pepiot traded scoreless innings. The Astros finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth inning. Zach Dezenzo singled to second base, scoring Jake Meyers from third, who had reached on a double. An error on the play also allowed Dezenzo to reach second, tying the game at 1-1.
The game then went to the bottom of the ninth inning, tied at 1-1. With two outs and no runners on, Yainer Díaz stepped to the plate. On a 1-2 count, he crushed a solo home run to right field, his seventh of the season, sending the ball into the stands and giving the Astros a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory.
Diaz finished the night 2-for-4 with the game-winning home run and RBI. The Astros collected 7 hits in total.
The resilient win improved the Astros’ record to 31-26. The series is now tied 1-1, with two games remaining.
