WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros' prospects had a rocky start in their Spring Breakout game against the Marlins, with four errors in the first three innings. Shortstop Xavier Neyens had a tough time, committing two of those errors, and the team hit into a bases-loaded double play in the fourth, falling behind by five runs.
“We made some mistakes early -- I made some mistakes early, but we got through it and kept battling and grinding and we pulled it out at the end,” said Neyens, the Astros’ No. 2-ranked prospect.
But the Astros weren't ready to call it a day. They mounted an impressive comeback, scoring two runs in each of the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, clinching a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory over the Marlins' prospects at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The celebration that ensued was worthy of a regular-season triumph.
Juan Sierra, a promising 20-year-old Dominican prospect, scored the winning run. He dashed home on a groundout by Caden Powell (No. 27 prospect), executing a slick slide to dodge Marlins catcher Ryan Ignoffo’s tag attempt.
“As soon as I saw the ball off the bat, I knew which way I wanted to go on the slide, and then I saw the catcher and made a move around,” Sierra said. “I had a ton of fun, and I love to play.”
For anyone doubting the significance of the Spring Breakout game to the Astros prospects, think again.
“It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time, probably since college,” said third baseman Nick Monistere, a 2025 fourth-round pick from Southern Mississippi.
Monistere sparked the ninth-inning rally by drawing one of his three walks, capitalizing on a pitch clock violation by Marlins prospect Cannon Pickell. Sierra then electrified the dugout with his at-bat, challenging and overturning a called strike.
“There was a lot of adrenaline,” Sierra said.
After fouling off a 98.2 mph fastball, Sierra channeled his inner Juan Soto with a shuffle in the batter’s box, eventually drawing a walk to put runners on first and second with no outs.
“He brought a little energy to the bench,” said Sam Niedorf, the Astros’ director of player development. “He’s a good player.
He doesn’t get cheated. It’s a good approach with a lot of power, a 20-year-old outfielder and a guy that we’re really excited about.”
German Rivera's single tied the game, setting the stage for Powell's decisive grounder. Marlins shortstop Andrew Salas made a backhanded grab and threw home, but Sierra’s crafty slide sealed the win. He celebrated with a helmet toss and a hug from Neyens.
“It wasn’t close,” Neyens said. “He was safe.”
Wladimir Sutil, the Astros’ Triple-A development coach managing the game, praised the team in the clubhouse.
“They were having fun,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.
I spoke to them early this morning and told them if they played the game the right way, good things are going to happen. We did it, OK?
We battled all throughout the game until we got the win.”
Powell, focused on reaching first base, missed the play at the plate but heard the dugout’s roar. The celebration was on, a reminder that baseball is, at its heart, a game.
“It was a blast,” he said. “It was a lot of fun for all of us to finally get on the field together and play another great group of guys, and it was just a good time all the way around.”