Jul 4, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) singles against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at SunTrust Park. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
ATLANTA — George Springer had his second four-hit game of the season, leading five Houston players with at least three hits as the Astros thrashed the Atlanta Braves 16-4 on Tuesday at SunTrust Park.
The Astros matched their season high for hits, 19, and scored in double digits for the 11th time. They won the opener of a two-game interleague series.
Springer was 4-for-5 with a double, his 25th home run and three runs. Yuli Gurriel was 3-for-5 with two doubles, four RBIs and a run. Jose Altuve went 3-for-5 with a double, his 12th home run, a walk and four RBIs.
Alex Bregman was 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs. Josh Reddick was 3-for-6, including his ninth homer, a grand slam in the ninth, and three runs.
Houston is 6-0 in interleague play, 3-0 against Atlanta and 19-3 in its past 22 road games.
The offensive outburst was in support of Brad Peacock (6-1). The right-hander worked six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.
Atlanta starter Sean Newcomb (1-3) endured his worst outing since being promoted from the minors. He pitched 3 1/3 innings and allowed seven runs on 10 hits and two walks. He saw his rise from 1.48 to 3.58.
The loss ruined the return of Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman, who came back after spending 44 games on the disabled list with a fractured left wrist. Freeman, who moved from first base to third base, singled in his first at-bat and went 1-for-4.
The Atlanta offense was led by catcher Tyler Flowers (RBI double, sacrifice fly) and pinch hitter Danny Santana, who had a two-run double.
The Astros began their barrage in the second inning when Gurriel doubled home Marwin Gonzalez, who led off the inning with a double.
Houston added four runs in the third inning. George Springer led off with his 25th home run, but the big blow was Gurriel’s three-run double.
The Astros tacked on two more runs in the fourth, and three in the fifth on Bregman’s RBI double and Altuve’s two-run double.
NOTES: Houston SS Carlos Correa left the game with left thumb discomfort after sliding into home in the fourth inning and ramming his left hand into the shin guard of C Tyler Flowers. Correa was listed as day-to-day. … Atlanta activated INF Freddie Freeman (fractured left wrist) and gave the former first baseman his first career start at third base. INF Jace Peterson was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett to clear a roster spot. … Houston will recall RHP Joe Musgrove from Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday and start him against Atlanta. RHP Charlie Morton (right lat sprain) will come off the disabled list on Friday to start against Toronto. … The game started 18 minutes late because of a late-afternoon shower. … Tony DeFrancesco, Houston’s Triple-A manager, is joining the Astros for their six-game road trip to Atlanta and Toronto and will coach third base. DeFrancesco is filling in for Gary Pettis, who is having right knee surgery.
