The Houston Astros turned a tied game into a controlled 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park, scoring four times in the third inning to create the decisive separation. Jose Altuve's two-run home run highlighted Houston's six-run attack, which also received a two-hit performance from Christian Walker and two RBIs from Daulton Varsho. Hunter Brown struck out seven across six innings, limiting Chicago's opportunities after the White Sox erased Houston's early 2-0 lead.

Brown was Houston's stabilizing force. He worked six innings and struck out seven, using his swing-and-miss arsenal to prevent Chicago from extending its second-inning rally or mounting a late threat. Luis Castillo lasted four innings with three strikeouts, and Jake Rogers supplied Chicago's lone notable offensive contribution with an RBI. After the third inning, neither team scored, leaving Houston's four-run burst as the game's defining competitive turn.

Houston improves to 72-69 and gains ground on Chicago, which falls to 73-67. The Astros now have a clear blueprint from this result: pressure the White Sox early, let Brown or the rotation control the middle innings, and force Chicago to chase a deficit after the lineup has established the matchup. Chicago's offense must produce more than its two-run second-inning response if it is to protect its narrow position ahead of Houston.