Smith stuns Astros with 3 homers, 8 RBIs ... in first 3 at-bats
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HOUSTON -- Pavin Smith had a career-high three home runs -- a three-run homer, a grand slam and a solo blast -- and eight RBIs as the Diamondbacks snapped a three-game losing streak with a 12-6 win over the Astros on Sunday night at Minute Maid Park.
The D-backs, who scored at least 10 runs for a Major League-best 18th time, remained 6 1/2 games back of the Dodgers in the National League West and a half-game behind the Padres for the first NL Wild Card spot while holding a 1 1/2-game lead over the Braves and Mets for the second Wild Card spot.
It was Smith’s first career multihomer game. He became the second Arizona player to hit three homers in a game this season, joining Eugenio Suárez, who did it against Washington on July 30. J.D. Martinez is the only player in D-backs history to hit four home runs in a game, accomplishing the feat at the Dodgers on Sept. 4, 2017.
Smith’s seven RBIs in the first three innings are a Diamondbacks record, per MLB.com’s Sarah Langs. Smith became the third player in Arizona history to drive in at least eight runs in a game. Erubiel Durazo has the franchise record with nine RBIs against the Phillies on May 17, 2002, and Chris Iannetta had eight against the Marlins on Sept. 22, 2017.
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The D-backs jumped on Astros starter Justin Verlander for eight runs in the second and third innings.
Smith launched a three-run homer off the right-field foul pole in the second and an opposite-field grand slam into the Crawford Boxes to cap a five-run third. Suárez hit an RBI single before Smith’s grand slam.
Smith led off the fifth with a solo shot off Kaleb Ort just inside the right-field foul pole.
The offensive onslaught was needed, as Ryne Nelson exited after 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts.