Smith delivers in the ninth
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith provided the decisive blow in the bottom of the ninth inning, homering to center field for a distance of 421 feet. That single-run home run off All-Star closer Jhoan Duran gave the Astros a 2-1 lead that they would hold until the final out.
The Phillies had tied the game earlier in the afternoon, but they could not answer Smith's power in the final frame.
Early run and the tie
The visitors took the lead in the top of the second inning when Trammell doubled to right field, allowing Walker to score. That was the only run Houston scored until the ninth. The Phillies responded in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Stott grounded into a fielder's choice at shortstop, which allowed Arraez to score and put the game at 1-1. Bohm was tagged out at third base on the play, ending the threat. The score remained tied until the final inning.
Pitching performances
Cristian Javier opened the game for Houston, pitching six innings. He allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out five batters and walking one. Zack Wheeler started for Philadelphia, going seven innings.
He surrendered five hits and one earned run, struck out nine batters, and issued two walks. Despite the strong outings from both starters, the game was decided by the bullpen and the final at-bat.
Final records and attendance
The Astros improved their record to 75-72 with the victory, while the Phillies fell to 82-65. Bryan Abreu recorded the save, pitching one scoreless inning with three strikeouts. Josh Hader secured the win for Houston, also pitching one scoreless inning with one strikeout.
Jose Alvarado pitched one inning for the Phillies, allowing two hits and one walk while giving up no earned runs. A crowd of 37,100 witnessed the action at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Sources
ESPN
