Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was dominant with his bat in a 14-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.
The 33-year-old veteran hit home runs in his first three plate appearances. He became only the fourth player in Major League Baseball history to accomplish this feat in the first three innings of a game. The other three are Manny Machado (2016), Mike Cameron (2002) and Carl Reynolds (1930).
Altuve had hit two long balls in the game the day before. In 2023 he has now stretched his arms 15 times. He finished his game of the day with three hits and three RBIs in five plate appearances.
Martin Maldonado (twice) and Yordan Alvarez also hit home runs in the win, allowing the Astros (79-61) to steal first place in the American West Division from the Seattle Mariners (77-61). Those two clubs and the Rangers (76-62) are in the running for a playoff spot. The Texas team is in last place in the Wild Cards, tied with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian team could do it if they win against the Oakland Athletics at the end of the evening.
The Rangers and Astros meet on Thursday for the third and final game of their series. Houston won the first game 13-6.