Walker, Peña homer and Rodgers drives in 3 as Astros spoil Twins' home opener 5-2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Christian Walker and Jeremy Peña homered and Brendan Rodgers had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.

Hunter Brown (2-0) gave up two runs in the first and shut down the Twins the rest of the way, allowing five hits and no walks with eight strikeouts in six innings. The 26-year-old righty retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced.

Bryan King, Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader pitched scoreless innings in relief. Hader earned his third save.

Twins starter Joe Ryan (0-2) allowed five runs on five hits and struck out six over five innings.

Minnesota took a 2-0 lead in the first inning of its home opener. Matt Wallner led off with drive to the warning track that got stuck under the padding on the wall in right-center. He reached third base on the play, then scored on Carlos Correa’s groundout. Byron Buxton followed with an infield single. He stole second and scored on Trevor Larnach’s line-drive single to left-center.

The Astros got those runs back when Walker and Peña started the second with back-to-back homers.

Rodgers put the Astros on top for good with a two-run single in the fourth and drove in Victor Caratini with a double in the sixth to make it 5-2.

With runners on first and second and one out in the fourth, a Ryan balk moved both runners into scoring position. The Twins brought their infield in, and Rodgers chopped a single just past a diving Correa at shortstop, scoring both on a ball that could have been an inning-ending double play.

Jose Altuve struck out five times, the first five-strikeout game in his 15-year MLB career.

RHP Bailey Ober (0-1, 27.00) of the Twins will face Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-0, 1.50) on Saturday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) reacts after a 2-run single by Houston Astros' Brendan Rodgers (1) during the fourth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) reacts after striking out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Minnesota Twins' Trevor Larnach (9) hits an RBI-single during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Houston Astros' Jeremy Peña (3) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Houston Astros' Christian Walker (8) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2025--

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it has arranged a $168 million loan to refinance Park Sierra, a 776-unit, Class B, garden-style apartment building in Santa Clarita, California.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250407753298/en/

The financing was arranged by Walker & Dunlop’s California Multifamily Finance team, led by Trevor Fase, on behalf of G.H. Palmer Associates. Fannie Mae provided the financing package.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with G.H. Palmer, a valued repeat client,” said Trevor Fase, senior managing director of Multifamily Finance at Walker & Dunlop. “G.H. Palmer has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to developing and preserving affordable housing in Santa Clarita. With 97% of the units at Park Sierra qualifying as ‘Mission-Driven,’ this community plays an essential role in providing quality, affordable housing in the market, and we’re proud to help support that mission.”

Originally developed in 1987 by G.H. Palmer Associates, the property consists of 97 one-bedroom and 679 two-bedroom apartments. Approximately 40% of the units have been rehabilitated, with significant additional capital investment planned as the team continues to execute on its vision of providing quality workforce housing in Santa Clarita. Community amenities include five pools and spas, a fitness center, picnic and play areas, and more.

“Walker & Dunlop consistently demonstrates the highest level of professionalism in all of their transactions,” said Chuck Merrell, chief financial officer at G.H. Palmer Associates. “They are always willing to go above and beyond expectations, ensuring that they deliver the best possible results. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail make them a trusted and invaluable partner for us.”

Walker & Dunlop is one of the top providers of capital to the U.S. multifamily market; in 2024 the firm originated over $30 billion in debt financing volume, including lending over $25 billion for multifamily properties. To learn more about our capabilities and financing options, visit our website.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory services firms in the United States and internationally. Our ideas and capital create communities where people live, work, shop, and play. Our innovative people, breadth of our brand, and our technological capabilities make us one of the most insightful and client-focused firms in the commercial real estate industry.

Park Sierra (Photo Credits: G.H. Palmer Associates)