The Astros sent nine men to the plate in a five-run inning that featured run-scoring hits by new arrivals Jesús Sánchez and Carlos Correa and a two-run double by Yainer Diaz. It backed a strong start by Jason Alexander and spurred Houston to an 8-2 win over the streaking Marlins at loanDepot park.

Perhaps the biggest date on the Marlins’ seasonal calendar was the trade deadline that came and went. Sure, the Marlins made a few moves, to include sending Sanchez to the Astros for a few players, like pitcher Ryan Gusto.

Lucas Giolito is not a morning person. He never has been, he said. As a kid, he stayed up late reading. As an adult, it’s more about video games. Either way, rising early is not his forte, and those unfortunate occasions when it is necessary require concerted effort — effort he managed to muster in recent days.