Astros top Mets 3-1 as Brown fans season-high 10 in series opener

Hunter Brown returned from his shoulder strain to power the Astros to a 3-1 win over the Mets at Citi Field, striking out 10 over 6 2/3 innings. Daulton Varsho delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the sixth, with Yainer Diaz adding an RBI to give Houston the cushion, as the Astros extended their positive run on the road and held a one-game lead in the AL West. Mets rookie Christian Scott was efficient early but walked three in the sixth, allowing Houston to seize control after San Francisco-style patience at the plate by Houston’s hitters. Brown’s 10-strikeout performance marked only the third time in his career he reached double digits, and he became the first Houston starter to log six innings since Hayden Wesneski in August. The win keeps Houston in front in the division and underscores Brown’s return as a critical piece for a team chasing the division title with Alvarez’s blue-chip season continuing to draw attention. The series continues with two more games as Houston looks to solidify its position while New York hopes to build momentum for a postseason push.