The Houston Astros defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Minute Maid Park, getting a strong five-inning start from Cristian Javier, a solo home run from Yainer Diaz, and a perfect closing inning from Josh Hader to earn the two-run victory in nine innings.

Cristian Javier Dominates Through Five Innings

Javier was the story on the mound. The right-hander held Arizona to one run on one hit over five innings, walking three and punching out eight. Merrill Kelly took the loss for the Diamondbacks after allowing three runs on seven hits across six innings, walking none and striking out four. Javier earned the win and Kelly absorbed the defeat.

Gabriel Moreno provided Arizona's only offense, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run that accounted for the Diamondbacks' lone run. Beyond that, Houston's pitching staff kept the visitors in check throughout the night.

Diaz Provides the Power Stroke Offensively

Yainer Diaz did the most damage at the plate for Houston, going 2-for-3 with a home run and one RBI. His solo shot gave the Astros a run they would not give back. Yordan Alvarez went 2-for-4, keeping Houston's lineup productive against Kelly, though neither of Alvarez's hits resulted in an RBI on the night.

Houston finished with seven hits against Kelly, enough to build a lead that the bullpen would eventually protect.

Bullpen Navigates a Bumpy Middle Before Hader Slams the Door

After Javier exited, the Astros turned to their bullpen. Enyel De Los Santos worked one-third of an inning, allowing one hit and one walk without giving up a run. Bennett Sousa followed with one and one-third innings, striking out two while allowing one hit and two walks but keeping Arizona off the board. Bryan Abreu then covered one and one-third innings, walking one and surrendering no hits.

Josh Hader came on to close it out and was untouchable — three strikeouts, no hits, no walks in a clean ninth inning to secure the save and seal the 3-1 final.

Turning Point

The game's critical stretch came in the middle innings when De Los Santos and Sousa faced traffic — two walks and two hits between them — but kept the deficit at two runs. Had Arizona scored during that window, the game tightens considerably. Both pitchers worked out of trouble without allowing a run, and Hader's dominant ninth made the outcome official.

Key Performances

  • Cristian Javier: 5.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K (Win)
  • Josh Hader: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (Save)
  • Yainer Diaz: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Yordan Alvarez: 2-for-4
  • Merrill Kelly: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (Loss)
  • Gabriel Moreno: 1-for-2, 1 HR, 1 RBI

What's Next

The Astros and Diamondbacks continue their series, with Houston looking to build on this win in the 2026 regular season. Minute Maid Park remains the setting as the two clubs return to the field for the next game of the series.