Houston staved off a pivotal moment by beating Texas 6-3 as Yordan Alvarez exited with a left ankle sprain, casting a cloud over a critical week. Rookie Zach Cole punctuated the night with a go-ahead homer, while Jeremy Peña delivered the decisive two-run hit and the bullpen weathered injuries and early miscues. The win trims Houston’s West race gap and keeps their season-series chance alive, setting up a high-stakes stretch run for fantasy rosters.

With Alvarez’s status uncertain, Altuve could move into a bigger role if he needs DH time, and Cole’s breakout adds a fresh spark to the lineup. The Astros’ resiliency—Peña’s timely hitting, Cole’s home run prowess, and defensive plays—provides a glimmer of upside for late-season fantasy and betting angles as the race tightens.