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Aug. 9 (UPI) — Kyle Tucker showcased his impressive power by launching a 107-mph go-ahead grand slam to right center with his wooden bat, propelling the Houston Astros to a comeback victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore.
Tucker’s 403-foot blast came in the top of the ninth inning, securing a 7-6 triumph at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
“I was able to catch one out front and time it well,” Tucker told reporters. “That was a tough at-bat, but I found a way to come out on top.”
During the game, Tucker went 2 for 5 with five RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk.
The Orioles started the ninth inning trailing 6-3. Relief pitcher Felix Bautista walked pinch hitter Jon Singleton to lead off the inning, and Astros second baseman Jose Altuve followed with a single to left field.
Bautista struck out Astros third baseman Alex Bregman in the next at-bat, but Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez then singled to center, loading the bases.
Tucker stepped up to the plate against the right-handed pitcher. Bautista started with a 101-mph fastball down the middle for a called strike. He followed with a swing-and-miss using a 92.7-mph splitter, but missed the zone with his next two pitches.
Tucker fought off the next four offerings, fouling them off. Bautista then threw a 100-mph four-seamer, and Tucker capitalized on the middle-of-the-plate pitch, sending it over the fence for the go-ahead grand slam.
The grand slam cleared the fence in just 4.3 seconds, hovering only 58 feet above the field, as measured by Statcast.
Bautista struck out designated hitter Yainer Diaz for the second out of the inning. Relief pitcher Joey Krehbiel entered the game and forced first baseman Jose Abreu to pop out to second base, ending the Astros’ offensive rally.
In the bottom of the inning, Astros closer Ryan Pressly retired infielders Jordan Westburg and Adam Frazier, as well as pinch hitter Ryan O’Hearn, in order, sealing the victory and earning his 27th save of the season.
Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena contributed with a 3-for-4 performance, including an RBI. Bregman went 2 for 5 with a run scored.
Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle hit a two-run homer, going 1 for 4 in the loss. Designated hitter Adley Rutschman went 1 for 3 with a two-run homer and two runs scored.
Astros starter Framber Valdez allowed eight hits and six runs over seven innings but did not receive a decision for the game.
The Orioles (70-43) will host the Astros (65-49) at 7:05 p.m. EDT on Wednesday in Baltimore.
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