Houston, Texas – Dominican left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez shined on the mound at Daikin Park, setting a new record for the Astros with 12 strikeouts in just 5.0 innings, leading his team to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Valdez (7-4) used 95 pitches to complete his five innings, facing a White Sox offense that connected 23 fouls and struck out on 20 occasions, including 12 times against Valdez’s curveball. This performance makes him the fifth left-hander in Astros history to reach 75 victories, alongside Bob Knepper, Wandy Rodríguez, Mike Hampton, and Dallas Keuchel.
Their plan was clearly to fight every turn, and they did it well. They made Framber work harder than usual. But he held firm and our bullpen did a tremendous job to close it out.
Joe Espada, manager
Houston’s offense backed Valdez’s work with a three-run rally in the third inning, thanks to consecutive doubles by José Altuve and Yainer Díaz. In the fifth inning, Isaac Paredes hit his 15th home run of the season, extending the lead to 4-1, although he had to leave the game due to discomfort in his left hamstring.
Espada informed that Paredes will be evaluated again this Friday. The Mexican has been fundamental in Houston’s lineup, leading the team in home runs and RBIs (42) with an offensive line of .255/.353/.478.
In the closing, Josh Hader allowed a solo home run, but achieved his 18th save in the same number of opportunities, securing the victory.
With this result, the Astros consolidate their position at the top of the American League West Division, with a 4.5-game lead.
