The Houston Astros made a statement in Miami on Monday night, dismantling the Marlins 8-2 behind a relentless offensive attack and a dominant start from an unlikely source. Jeremy Peña led the charge with a 4-RBI night, including a clutch two-run single in the third that blew open a tight game, while Victor Caratini crossed home twice as Houston's lineup wore down Sandy Alcantara early. The Astros tagged the Marlins' ace for six runs in just seven innings, chasing him with a barrage of nine hits—including multi-hit performances from Yainer Diaz and Cam Smith—that exposed Alcantara's season-long struggles (6.44 ERA).

Jason Alexander, making a spot start for Houston, delivered a gem with six scoreless frames, striking out six while allowing just three hits to silence Miami's bats. The Marlins' only bright spots came late—Javier Sanoja and Derek Hill each launched solo homers—but by then, the damage was done. With the convincing win, the Astros sent a message to the NL East, while the Marlins' pitching woes deepened in a game that slipped away before their offense ever found its footing.