The Astros beat the Rays, 2-1. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
Yainer Diaz homered with two outs in the ninth inning and Framber Valdez pitched a three-hitter to lead the Houston Astros to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
THIS IS EL MATÍN. pic.twitter.com/Ynz9rAtiq8
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 31, 2025
The score was tied 1-1 entering the ninth. Garrett Cleavinger (0-1) struck out Jose Altuve and Christian Walker before Diaz sent a 98 mph sinker into the seats in right field to set off a wild celebration.
Valdez (5-4) gave up a homer to Jose Caballero in the first inning and tied a season high with nine strikeouts in his ninth career complete game and second this season.
Houston trailed 1-0 when Jake Meyers doubled to center field with no outs in the eighth inning and scored on Zach Dezenzo's single on a grounder. Dezenzo moved to second on a throwing error by second baseman Curtis Mead on the play.
Caballero homered on Valdez’s second pitch to give the Rays an early lead. The homer was just his second this season and the first since April 9.
Rays starter Ryan Pepiot allowed two hits in 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his second strong start after he threw seven scoreless innings in his last start.
Valdez retired 12 straight before Jonathan Aranda singled on a chopper to first base to start the fifth. Valdez got right back on track, striking out Danny Jansen before Mead grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Valdez sailed through the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, sitting down nine straight batters with three strikeouts.
Taylor Walls singled with one out in the ninth before Caballero walked. Walls was caught stealing third and Valdez retired Yandy Díaz on a groundout to complete his night.
Walker singled with two outs in the seventh to chase Pepiot. Kevin Kelly took over and was greeted with a single by Diaz. The Astros came away empty when Kelly struck out Cam Smith.
Key moment
The home run by Diaz allowed Houston to rally after losing the series opener 13-3.
Key stat
Valdez needed just 83 pitches to complete the game.
Up next
Rays RHP Zack Littell (4-5, 3.97 ERA) opposes Astros LHP Colton Gordon (0-0, 3.52) on Saturday.
As the Houston Texans gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on OTAs, where key storylines and position battles are already taking shape. One of the most intriguing developments is unfolding along the offensive line. Coaches are clearly keeping their options open, and the answers may not be as obvious as they seem.
Meanwhile, fans are taking notice of Cam Robinson holding down the left tackle spot, while Tytus Howard has been moved inside to right guard — a significant shift that raises questions about long-term strategy and player fit. The reshuffling up front is just one part of a larger evaluation process underway.
Further down the roster, the wide receiver room is heating up with fierce competition for the final spots. Several fringe players are turning heads, looking to carve out a role behind the established starters. These battles could stretch well into training camp.
On the other side of the ball, expectations are high for the defense entering Year 3 under head coach DeMeco Ryans. After a strong showing last season, the unit is now being challenged to take the next leap. At the heart of that effort is Will Anderson Jr., who looks poised for a breakout year. His growth could be a game-changer for the Texans' pass rush.
From offensive line shakeups to rising defensive expectations, there’s no shortage of drama or development in Houston. With the 2025 season approaching, these OTAs are offering a crucial glimpse into what this team might become.
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank share their thoughts on the early developments at OTAs.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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