Astros Defeated Royals as Pena Hit 20th Home Run
Jeremy Pena recorded his 20th home run of the season during a 6-2 victory for the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Baseball
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Jeremy Pena hit his 20th home run of the season on September 17, 2026, helping the Houston Astros secure a 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. This victory marks a significant milestone as the Astros now feature five players who have each hit at least 20 home runs this season.
Why it matters
The Houston Astros performance highlights the team's potent offensive depth as they push to finish the season strong. With a winning percentage currently above .500, the team aims to carry this momentum into their final stretch of games.
The Astros hit five home runs in the contest, bringing their total to five players with at least 20 homers this season. Yordan Alvarez bolstered the effort with a .311 batting average and 99 RBIs on the year.
The players
Jeremy Pena
He is a key infielder for the Houston Astros who reached the 20-home-run milestone this season.
Houston Astros
This professional Major League Baseball team is based in Houston and plays its home games at Daikin Park.
Kansas City Royals
This professional Major League Baseball team is based in Kansas City and competed against the Astros in this matchup.
Yordan Alvarez
He is a standout outfielder for the Houston Astros who leads the team in RBIs and maintains a high batting average.
Daulton Varsho
He is a versatile player for the Houston Astros who recorded his fifth home run since joining the organization.
The details
Jeremy Pena launched his 400-foot home run on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning to set the tone. Additional home runs came from Daulton Varsho, Lamonte Wade Jr., and Yordan Alvarez, who contributed to the offensive outburst against Kansas City.
Timeline
Jeremy Pena hit his 20th home run on September 17, 2026.
The Astros have nine games remaining in the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
This win reinforces the Astros position in the competitive landscape as they maintain a winning percentage above .500. The offensive output provides a critical boost to their standing as they navigate the final nine games of the season.
The victory keeps the Astros above the .500 mark as they enter their final nine games of the year. Yordan Alvarez continues to be a high-value fantasy asset with 99 RBIs and a .311 batting average.
The takeaway
The Houston Astros are demonstrating significant offensive firepower as they approach the end of the regular season. Consistency in home run production from multiple starters remains a key factor in their ongoing pursuit of a favorable playoff standing.
Further reading
For more on the team's late-season push, explore the latest Baseball coverage.
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