MARINERS TAKE THE FINALE
Astros' Yordan Alvarez hits for cycle despite loss to Mariners
Jul 22, 2024, 9:44 am
Mariners defeat Astros, 6-4. Composite image by Brandon Strange.
Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez hit for the cycle against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, becoming the 10th player in Houston history to accomplish the feat.
YORDAN ALVAREZ HAS JUST HIT FOR THE CYCLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/Pgo8CoNMzn
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 21, 2024
Alvarez singled in the first inning, hit his 20th homer of the season off Mariners starter Bryan Woo in the fourth, added a run-scoring triple to center field in the sixth off Taylor Saucedo and completed the cycle with a double down the right field line in the eighth against Gregory Santos.
Alvarez finished 4 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the Astros' 6-4 loss to Seattle.
Air Yordan to the upper deck! #Relentless pic.twitter.com/hSrhKfsSSB
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 21, 2024
Asked if he'd ever hit for a cycle in his baseball life, Alvarez said, “Not even in Playstation.”
“I’m very excited,” Alvarez said. “I felt a little bit of pressure there, but I knew I needed a double and when I hit the ball I said, ‘There it is.”
The 27-year-old Alvarez had the second cycle in the history of T-Mobile Park, after Miguel Tejada's on September 29, 2001.
The triple, the sixth of Alvarez's career, came on a fly ball to deep center field. Julio Rodríguez jumped for the ball against the wall, but dropped the catch and sprained his right ankle on the play. The ball rolled toward the infield before left fielder Dylan Moore grabbed it as Alvarez hustled into third.
“It was a confusing play,” Alvarez said. "When I hit the ball, I thought it was going to carry a little bit more, and then I saw him jump at the wall and make the catch, and then I saw him hit the wall and the ball drops and he drops. I just knew I needed to continue running there.”
Before Sunday, the most recent cycle by a member of the Astros came on August 28, 2023, by Jose Altuve against Boston.
Luke Raley hit a three-run homer, Bryan Woo pitched 5 2/3 solid innings and the Seattle Mariners overcame an injury to Julio Rodríguez to beat the Houston Astros 6-4 on Sunday.
The win snapped a five-game losing streak and put the Mariners into a tie with Houston for the AL West Division lead.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: RHPs Justin Verlander (neck discomfort) and Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) both felt good after throwing bullpens on Saturday, and Espada said the plan is for both to throw again sometime in the next couple of days.
ROSTER MOVE
The Mariners traded RHP Mike Baumann to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday for cash considerations.
UP NEXT
Astros: RHP Spencer Arrighetti (4-7, 5.63 ERA) will pitch Monday in Houston’s series opener at Oakland.
Mariners: RHP Bryce Miller (7-7, 3.63 ERA) will start Monday against Angels lefty Tyler Anderson. Miller has a 4.46 ERA in his past seven starts, with 10 walks and 27 strikeouts.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Astros look to stay in control as division pace quickens
Jun 18, 2025, 4:13 pm
The NBA trade rumor mill is in overdrive, and once again, Kevin Durant finds himself at the center of the chaos. As teams across the league weigh their options, the Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities — a rising squad with young talent, cap flexibility, and the ambition to make a major move. But is Durant the final piece that could launch the Rockets into true contender status?
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest whispers surrounding KD’s future, including the Suns’ disappointment with Houston’s current offer and their desire to pry Jalen Green and/or Jabari Smith from the Rockets' promising core. Phoenix is playing hardball, reportedly seeking either the Spurs' No. 2 pick in the draft, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, or possibly both — a steep price for a 35-year-old star on a two-year deal.
San Antonio has quietly emerged as a serious contender for Durant’s services, potentially leapfrogging other suitors like the Heat — who, according to reports, sit at the bottom of KD’s preferred destinations list. With Durant’s age becoming a factor and the Suns trying to balance long-term development with short-term competitiveness, Phoenix faces a tough question: are they chasing the Durant of a decade ago, or can they still extract elite value from what he brings now?
We break down the top three teams in the KD sweepstakes, the Suns’ aggressive demands, and whether Houston’s front office will push its chips in — or walk away from the table.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!