Astros Complete Series Sweep with 2-1 Win Over Twins

In a tense showdown, the Houston Astros edged out the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep. Victor Caratini's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning tied the game, setting the stage for Mauricio Dubón's walk-off single in the tenth.

Jake Meyers, who entered the game at second base in the tenth, scored the decisive run on Dubón's two-out hit to left field, sealing the victory for Houston.

Brandon Walter, the Astros' starting pitcher, delivered a strong performance, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out nine over 6 2/3 innings. The bullpen trio of Shawn Dubin, Bennett Sousa, and Josh Hader (4-0) combined to keep the Twins scoreless for the remaining 3 1/3 innings.

This season, Walter has been impressive, yielding only three earned runs across 17 2/3 innings in his three starts.

The game's only run for Minnesota came from Brooks Lee, who launched a home run to lead off the third inning.

In a pivotal moment during the seventh, Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch but was quickly erased when Caratini grounded into a double play. Meyers then grounded out, leaving the Astros trailing.

Cole Sands (3-3) took the loss for Minnesota after a hard-fought battle on the mound.

Jeremy Peña ignited the ninth inning with a leadoff walk and promptly stole second base. After Altuve's single advanced him to third, Caratini's sacrifice fly off Jhoan Duran brought Peña home, leveling the score at 1-1 and pushing the game into extra innings.

With this victory, the Astros have now won five consecutive games and 16 of their last 22, establishing a five-game lead over second-place Seattle in the AL West standings.

Looking ahead, Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 4.91 ERA) is set to take the mound on Monday as they begin a four-game series against the Athletics, who have yet to announce their starting pitcher. Meanwhile, Minnesota will have a break until Tuesday when David Festa (1-1, 4.76) is scheduled to face Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.87) in their upcoming three-game series.