Jesús Sánchez is already making headlines in the Astros, who defeat Alcántara and the Marlins in Miami

Miami.– The attention of the Houston Astros after the Trade Deadline focused on the return of Puerto Rican Carlos Correa, but it was another newcomer who stole the spotlight this Monday: the Dominican Jesús Sánchez.

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In his return to loanDepot park, after being acquired from the Marlins, Sánchez hit a run-scoring double during a five-run rally in the fourth inning that allowed the Astros to beat Miami 8-2, snapping a three-game losing streak. Before the match, Sánchez was cheered by the local crowd when presented on the giant screen. He responded to the affection with a decisive performance against his former team and against the Dominican ace Sandy Alcántara, whom he knew very well. “He’s grateful to be here,” manager Joe Espada stated. “He wants to be part of this winning culture, and it shows. He asks questions, gets involved, and contributes.”

Sánchez even took the word during the hitters' meeting before the game, sharing key information about Alcántara, who was coming in with 12 innings without allowing runs. That information seems to have paid off: the Astros exploded offensively in the fourth inning, sending nine batters to the plate.

In that episode, Yainer Díaz contributed a two-run double, Correa added a run-scoring single, and Sánchez hit his aforementioned run-producing double, to put the score at 5-0 early in the game. Despite the defeat, Alcántara had affectionate words for his former teammate:

"It's nice to see him on the field again, but sad to see him on the other team. I wish him the best. May he stay healthy and keep doing what he's doing," commented the pitcher.

Sánchez, who played six seasons with the Marlins, has quickly fit into the Astros' clubhouse.

“It's very easy to feel at home here,” he assured. “There are many Hispanic players, and we understand each other very well.”

With the arrival of Mexican Ramón Urías, in addition to the return of Jeremy Peña (who batted 2-for-4 with a walk), the Astros have gained offensive depth at a key moment in the season. The opener Jason Alexander was another standout of the game, pitching six scoreless innings with six strikeouts, solidifying Houston's victory. The Astros, who were coming off a frustrating series in Boston, showed signs of recovery and better chemistry with their new pieces, and aim to stay strong in the fight for the playoffs.

“When everyone is healthy, it's going to be fun to watch us play”, Espada anticipated.