Astros’ bats provide fireworks in Atlanta in 16-4 thrashing

ATLANTA — George Springer’s second four-hit game of the season led five different Houston players with at least three hits, pacing a 19-hit attack as the Houston Astros thrashed the Atlanta Braves 16-4 on Tuesday at SunTrust Park.

Springer was 4-for-5 with a double, his 25th home run, one RBI and three runs scored. First baseman Yuli Gurriel was 3-for-5 with two doubles, four RBIs and a run scored. Second baseman Jose Altuve was 3-for-5 with a double, his 12th home run, a walk and four RBIs. Third baseman Alex Bregman was 3-for-4 with two doubles, one RBI and three runs scored. Right fielder Josh Reddick was 3-for-6, including his ninth homer, a grand slam in the ninth, and three runs scored.

The Astros matched their season high for hits and scored in double digits for the 11th time.

Houston is 6-0 in interleague play, 3-0 against Atlanta and 19-3 in their last 22 road games.

The offensive outburst was in support of Brad Peacock (6-1). The right-hander worked six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits, two walks and seven strikeouts.

Atlanta starter Sean Newcomb (1-3) suffered his worst outing since being promoted from the minors. He pitched 3 1/3 innings and allowed seven runs on 10 hits and two walks. He entered the game with a 1.48 ERA and saw it inflated to 3.58.

The loss ruined the return of Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman, who came back after spending 44 games on the disabled list with a fractured left wrist. Freeman, who moved from first base to third base, singled in his first at-bat and went 1-for-4.

The Atlanta offense was led by catcher Tyler Flowers (RBI double, sacrifice fly) and pinch-hitter Danny Santana, who had a two-run double.

The Astros began their barrage in the second inning when Gurriel doubled home Marwin Gonzalez, who led off the inning with a double.

Houston added four runs in the third inning. George Springer led off with his 25th home run, but the big blow was Gurriel’s three-run double.

The Astros tacked on two more runs in the fourth, and three in the fifth on Bregman’s RBI double and Altuve’s two-run double.

NOTES: Atlanta activated INF Freddie Freeman (fractured left wrist) and gave the former first baseman his first career start at third base. INF Jace Peterson was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett to clear a roster spot. … Houston will recall RHP Joe Musgrove from Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday and start him against Atlanta. RHP Charlie Morton (right lat sprain) will come off the disabled list on Friday and start against Toronto. … The game started 18 minutes late because of a late-afternoon shower. … Tony DeFrancesco, Houston’s Triple-A manager, is joining the Astros for their six-game road trip to Atlanta and Toronto and will coach third base. DeFrancesco is filling in for Gary Pettis, who is having surgery on his right knee. … Houston SS Carlos Correa left the game with left thumb discomfort after sliding into home in the fourth inning and ramming his left hand into the shin guard of C Tyler Flowers. Correa was listed as day to day