Astros: Yordan Alvarez contributes to record setting 23 run outburst

In a record-setting night for the Astros, almost everyone contributed to the 23-2 onslaught of the Orioles, but Yordan Alvarez had a night to remember.

The Houston Astros set a franchise record for runs scored last night as 23 players crossed the plate in an offensive explosion. They also tied a Houston record with six home runs on the night, the second time they’ve accomplished that just this week. Yordan Alvarez chipped in with three of those homers, including a grand slam in the seventh.

Alvarez knocked in seven runs on the night giving him a total of 51 RBIs in the 45 games he’s played this season. That’s the more than any player ever had in that amount of games, eclipsing Ted William‘s 47 RBIs in 1937. He also reached the 50 RBI mark quicker than any player in history, beating out Joe DiMaggio who did it in 46 games.

Other records that were set or tied last night were most extra-base hits in a game (13), tied for most hits (25), the largest victory margin (21), and extended their record of 11 grand slams for the year. On top of that, Carlos Correa crushed a 474-foot dinger, the longest home run ever hit in Camden Yards. Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve contributed the other two home runs, Bregman’s 28th and Altuve’s 20th.

Virtually everyone on last night’s roster made their mark in the game. Ten of the eleven Astros that got into the game last night all had hits and RBIs. Six players had three or more hits. Between Bregman and Aledmys Diaz, the third base position players went 6-for-6. Yuli Gurriel continues his hot streak with the most hits, going 4-for-6 and elevating his batting average to the .300 mark.

What almost got lost in all of the offensive accolades of the evening was another fine pitching performance by Aaron Sanchez. In his second appearance in an Astros uniform, he went five innings allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out six batters.

The Astros will try to extend their eight-game winning streak and a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon. In their quest to maintain the best record in the Majors, Justin Verlander will be on the mound against Asher Wojciechowski who’s sporting a 4.89 ERA. Could there be another offensive barrage in line for the Astros?