José Altuve Homers Twice as Astros Defeat Mets 8-5 in Spring Training Thriller

José Altuve turned back the clock Tuesday afternoon, smashing two home runs to lead the Houston Astros to an exciting 8-5 comeback victory over the New York Mets in Grapefruit League action at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The 36-year-old second baseman looked rejuvenated in his 15th major league season, launching a solo shot in the fourth inning before delivering the game-winning blow with a three-run homer in the eighth inning that sent the Houston dugout into celebration mode.

"It feels great to see the ball jumping off my bat like that," Altuve said after the game. "I've been working hard this spring on my timing and mechanics, and days like today remind me why I still love playing this game. The team energy has been fantastic, and we're building something special here."

The Astros entered the eighth inning trailing 5-4 before Altuve's clutch blast off Mets reliever Brooks Raley completely shifted the momentum. The three-run shot capped a four-run rally that included RBI singles from Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez, showcasing the offensive depth that makes Houston a perennial contender.

New York had taken control early behind Francisco Lindor's two-run double and Pete Alonso's towering solo home run that carried well beyond the left field wall. The Mets' lineup looked sharp throughout most of the contest, with several regulars getting quality at-bats as they prepare for the regular season.

Houston starter Hunter Brown pitched effectively through five innings, allowing three runs while striking out six batters. The young right-hander has emerged as a key rotation piece for the Astros and appears ready to build on his promising 2025 campaign.

With Opening Day just three weeks away, both teams are fine-tuning their rosters and building chemistry. For the Astros, Altuve's performance serves as an encouraging sign that their veteran core remains capable of championship-level play as they pursue another World Series title.