Lucas Spence Homered Three Times in Astros Win
The rookie outfielder launched three home runs and tallied five RBI to help Houston move into a tie for first place.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Baseball
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Lucas Spence hit three home runs in a single game, leading the Houston Astros to a 7-5 victory over the Athletics. The performance moved the Astros into a tie with the Texas Rangers for first place in the AL West.
Why it matters
The win keeps Houston's postseason hopes alive as the team battles for the division title with only three games remaining. Spence provided a crucial spark for the club after being called up from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace injured center fielder Brice Matthews.
Lucas Spence became just the third player in MLB history to hit his first three career home runs in the same game, driving in five total runs during the 7-5 win. The Astros currently hold a 79-80 record with three games left in the season.
The players
Lucas Spence
He is an outfielder for the Houston Astros who was recently promoted from the Triple-A Sugar Land affiliate.
Brice Matthews
He is the center fielder for the Houston Astros who was recently moved to the injured list.
The details
Spence hit a three-run homer in the second inning, followed by solo home runs in the seventh and ninth innings to secure the win. The Astros added him to the active roster to fill the vacancy left by Brice Matthews, who was placed on the injured list.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Spence made his first appearance after being called up.
September 25, 2026: Spence hit three home runs against the Athletics.
Season Trajectory
This victory draws the Astros level with the Texas Rangers in the AL West, dramatically shifting the divisional race as the season nears its conclusion. With only three games left, every outcome now directly influences the final playoff standings for the league.
The Astros are now tied with the Texas Rangers for the lead in the AL West standings. This win significantly alters the divisional playoff math as the team heads into the final three-game stretch of the regular season.
The takeaway
Spence's historic debut demonstrates how quickly an unknown player can impact a divisional race during the final week of the season. Fans should monitor roster updates closely, as late-season call-ups often determine the final playoff path for contending teams.
Further reading
For more on the current divisional race and team performance, visit the Houston Baseball section.
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