Astros 16, Braves 4: Springer, Altuve proved the fireworks on the 4th

Houston Astros often host a 4th of July game with a stadium of a retractable roof and Houston level A/C units at Minute Maid Park. But in 2017, Houston traveled to Atlanta for Independence day.

The Astros must have asked, “What can we bring?” Before the Braves could answer, the Astros said: “Oh, we’ll bring the fireworks.”

Houston blasted the Atlanta pitching for 16 runs including eight extra-base hits including a grand slam. The Astros coasted to a 16-4 win behind offense and six strong innings from Brad Peacock.

George Springer and Jose Altuve danced with the chance of hitting for a cycle, each had a single, double, and home run. But each settled, if it can be settling, for impressive offensive nights. Springer had four hits and Altuve had four RBIs.

Altuve wasn’t alone with four RBIs. Josh Reddick and Yuli Gurriel each drove in four as well.

The Astros led 10-0 after five innings, knocking out rookie Sean Newcomb after 3 ¹⁄₃ innings.

The only negative was Carlos Correa exited the game in the fourth inning after sliding into Tyler Flowers attempting to sneak home while Luke Jackson and Matt Adams were exchanging glances following a play at first.

Correa exited with a left-hand injury but the x-rays were negative.

Peacock’s night on the mound was stellar through six innings, the wheels fell off in the seventh. Peacock allowed the first four batters to reach in the seventh and was pulled. But Peacock attempted to save the bullpen and any after five innings was house money for the Astros’ long man turned starter.