The Houston Astros continue to put space between them and the American League West division. On Tuesday, the Astros defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-7, improving to 53-27. The 26 games above .500 is a season high for Houston and suddenly has them within striking distance of the New York Yankees atop the American League.
But that is not the only aspect of the Astros gaining ground on the Yankees. Houston's left fielder, Yordan Alvarez is putting forth a monster season. On Tuesday, he used more than just his bat to prove his worth though, closing the gap on Aaron Judge for AL MVP.
With Houston leading 8-6 in the top of the 8th, the Royals had the bases loaded with one out. Kansas City hit a deep fly ball to left. Alvarez backed up and made the catch at the warning track, then threw a strike to the plate to nail Hunter Dozier for the double play, ending the inning.
Yordan said: "You're done" 🎯🤯
If anyone needs us, we'll be watching this throw on repeat.
(via @astros) pic.twitter.com/dYXmuxQY8W
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 6, 2022
Alvarez might not be known for his defense, but he showed off the hose on Tuesday. But he was not done leaving his mark on the game. In the bottom half of the inning, Alvarez blasted his 25th home run of the season. He showed off his opposite field power with the blast.
After Yordan Alvarez threw out a runner at the plate in the top of the eighth. He hits a home run in the bottom half. pic.twitter.com/oPA86wMXX2
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 6, 2022
His 25 home runs are tied with Kyle Schwarber for second in all of baseball behind Aaron Judge's 29. The Houston slugger is also just two RBI behind Judge this season with 58. Alvarez is leading baseball with a 1.076 OPS, showing off his true power and is slashing .313. So, he's not solely a power hitter.
Alvarez was recently named MLB AL Player of the Month for June. He hit .418 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in the month, as he and the Astros remain red hot.
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