WATCH: Trey Mancini hits monster grand slam, continues hot streak since joining Astros

Houston Astros’ first baseman Trey Mancini is having a career game for his new team on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians. After hitting a solo shot off pitcher Hunter Gaddis in the top of the second, to tie the game at 1-1, Mancini hit a rocket shot to deep left field. The home run is his 13th home run of the season and his first career grand slam.

In the top of the third inning, with two outs and a 2-1 lead, the Astros first baseman/ designated hitter stepped to the plate for his second showdown with Gaddis. Mancini battled the Guardians pitcher to a 3-1 count, setting him up for the knockout shot. Gaddis left the ball slightly high but over the plate, the perfect position for Mancini to knock it out of the park for the second time. You can check out the Astros slugger’s home run in the video below.

The Astros acquired the first baseman/ designated hitter from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-team trade. Houston sought after Mancini because of his high contact-hitting ability. And so far, since joining the Astros, he has had that ability on full display. His grand slam is the third home run he has hit since joining the Astros just before the trade deadline.

The Astros have an 11.5-game lead in the AL West. But they are in a dogfight with the New York Yankees for the best record in the American League. Houston has a record of 69-38, while New York is 70-36. As the home stretch of the MLB season nears, it will be critical for them to maintain pace with the Yankees for seeding purposes. And if Mancini and the rest of the team can continue with their hot hitting streak, Houston could find itself in the driver’s seat heading into the playoffs and well on its way to another World Series championship.