Brice Matthews Blasts First Two MLB Homers, Astros Top Diamondbacks 6-3

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

PHOENIX — The Houston Astros defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 on Monday night, July 21, 2025, with Brice Matthews leading the charge, hitting his first two big-league homers and collecting five RBI. Christian Walker also contributed with an RBI double in his return to Chase Field.

Matthews ignited the Astros' offense in the second inning with a three-run shot, transforming a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. His second homer, a two-run blast in the seventh, extended the Astros' lead to 6-3. The 23-year-old second baseman is recognized as one of the Astros' top prospects, having been a first-round pick in 2023.

The Arizona Diamondbacks saw their four-game winning streak come to an end. Eugenio Suarez added to his impressive season total with his NL-leading 36th homer.

Arizona's Zac Gallen (7-11) struggled, surrendering six runs over six innings. He has now given up 23 home runs this year, marking the most in a single season of his career.

Houston lefty Colton Gordon (4-2) earned the win, allowing three runs — two earned — over 5 2/3 innings. Josh Hader closed out the game in the ninth, securing his 26th save in 27 opportunities. The Diamondbacks had the tying run at the plate with two outs in the ninth, but Josh Naylor flied out to right field to end the game.

Christian Walker, playing against the Diamondbacks for the first time since leaving the team for Houston in free agency during the offseason, recorded two hits. He previously hit 146 homers over eight seasons in Arizona, helping the franchise reach the World Series in 2023.

Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte returned to the lineup for the first time since his house was burglarized over the All-Star break. The D-backs left a total of 11 runners on base throughout the game, highlighting missed opportunities.

Key Moment

The D-backs loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth inning, posing a significant threat. However, reliever Bennett Sousa managed to retire Marte on a fly ball to left field, extinguishing the rally.

Key Stat

Zac Gallen reached a career milestone by recording his 1,000th career strikeout in the fourth inning. He is now the second pitcher who debuted in 2019 to hit this mark, joining Dylan Cease.

Up Next

The series continues on Tuesday with the Houston Astros sending LHP Framber Valdez (10-4, 2.75 ERA) to the mound. He will face Arizona Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-6, 5.94).

In summary

The Houston Astros secured a 6-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 21, 2025, largely thanks to a standout performance from rookie second baseman Brice Matthews, who hit his first two major league home runs and drove in five runs. Christian Walker also made an impact in his return to Chase Field with an RBI double. Astros pitcher Colton Gordon earned the win, while Josh Hader closed for his 26th save. For the Diamondbacks, Eugenio Suarez hit his league-leading 36th homer, but pitcher Zac Gallen struggled, giving up six runs and reaching a career high in home runs allowed for a season. Key moments included Gallen's 1,000th career strikeout and the Diamondbacks leaving 11 runners on base, ultimately costing them the game and snapping their four-game winning streak.

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