The Houston Astros host the Atlanta Braves at Daikin Park on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with first pitch set for 2:10 PM ET. Hunter Brown takes the ball for Houston against veteran left-hander Martín Pérez in what is a late-season regular season showdown between two franchises that know how to play meaningful September baseball. With the calendar winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Astros will need a strong performance from their rotation and a disciplined lineup to take care of business at home.

Starting Pitchers: Hunter Brown vs. Martín Pérez

Hunter Brown gets the nod for Houston. The hard-throwing right-hander has shown the kind of stuff that makes opposing lineups uncomfortable, and this is exactly the type of late-season start that can define a pitcher's year. Brown will need to command his fastball and keep Atlanta's dangerous middle of the order — Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson — from doing damage early.

Martín Pérez draws the assignment for Atlanta. The left-hander is a crafty veteran who relies on pitch sequencing and location rather than overpowering hitters. Houston's lineup has the right-handed pop to give Pérez problems, and how well he can work around those bats will determine how long he stays in the game.

Houston Astros Starting Lineup

• 1. Jeremy Peña, SS
• 2. Yordan Alvarez, LF
• 3. Isaac Paredes, 3B
• 4. Jose Altuve, DH
• 5. Yainer Diaz, C
• 6. Christian Walker, 1B
• 7. Cam Smith, RF
• 8. Nick Allen, 2B
• 9. Brice Matthews, CF

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• 1. Drake Baldwin, C
• 2. Ronald Acuña Jr., DH
• 3. Matt Olson, 1B
• 4. Michael Harris II, CF
• 5. Mauricio Dubón, 3B
• 6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
• 7. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
• 8. Brewer Hicklen, RF
• 9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS

Keys to Watch

• Brown vs. Acuña and Olson: Ronald Acuña Jr. slots into the two-hole for Atlanta, giving the Braves a genuine threat early in the order. Matt Olson bats third and provides left-handed power that Brown must manage carefully. Getting through that two-three punch without damage is the biggest pitching challenge of the afternoon.
• Yordan Alvarez against a lefty: Pérez is a southpaw, which historically sets up well for right-handed hitters. Yordan Alvarez batting second gives Houston a premier threat near the top of the order. If Alvarez gets into a favorable count early, the Astros have the lineup depth behind him to do real damage.
• Peña setting the table: Jeremy Peña leading off puts a capable, contact-oriented hitter at the top. His ability to reach base and pressure the Atlanta infield puts immediate stress on Pérez from pitch one.
• Cam Smith and Brice Matthews producing in the lower third: Cam Smith at seven and Brice Matthews at nine give Houston younger options who can extend innings. If those spots produce, it takes pressure off the middle of the order.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Houston at Daikin Park. Brown has the makings of a frontline starter, and pitching at home in September with a lineup that features Alvarez, Altuve, and Paredes in the heart of the order gives the Astros a meaningful edge. Pérez is experienced enough to keep it close, but Houston's lineup advantage against a left-hander is real. Expect a competitive game that the Astros take by a run or two. Astros 4, Braves 2.

Catch the game on Space City Home Network or listen on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.