Astros Defeat Diamondbacks 3-1 Behind Diaz Homr

Astros Take Control in Third

The Houston Astros defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Daikin Park. The home team’s offensive surge in the third inning proved decisive, as they scored three runs to take a 3-0 lead that they would hold for the remainder of the contest.

The game drew an attendance of 33,482 fans, with the Astros improving their record to 73-69 while the Diamondbacks fell to 74-68.

Yainer Diaz ignited the Houston offense with a home run to left center field, traveling 383 feet, to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued immediately when Carlos Paredes doubled to left field, allowing Jose Peña to score and advancing Yordan Alvarez to third base. This play extended the Houston lead to 2-0.

The inning concluded with Jose Altuve hitting a sacrifice fly to left field, which scored Alvarez and set the final margin of victory at 3-0.

Diamondbacks Strike Back

The Arizona Diamondbacks managed to register their only run of the game in the fourth inning. Luis Moreno delivered a home run to left center field, with the ball carrying 387 feet, to trim the deficit to 3-1. However, the Houston pitching staff shut down the Arizona offense for the rest of the game, preventing any further scoring opportunities.

Pitching Performance

Cristian Javier earned the win for the Astros, pitching five innings. He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, and walked three batters while striking out eight. Javier’s record improved to 2-5. The Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly took the loss, recording nine hits, six earned runs, and four strikeouts over six innings of work, while walking none. His record dropped to 9-13.

The Houston bullpen provided crucial support in the later frames. Enyel De Los Santos pitched one-third of an inning, allowing one hit and one walk without earning a run. Bennett Sousa threw one-third of an inning, allowing one hit and two walks.

Bryan Abreu pitched one-third of an inning, allowing one walk. Josh Hader secured the save, pitching one inning with three strikeouts and no hits, walks, or earned runs. For the Diamondbacks, Justin Martinez pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no hits, walks, or earned runs, while Derek Law pitched one inning with no hits, walks, or earned runs.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816804