Houston Strong: Best photos from Astros' emotional return to Texas

The Houston Astros returned to Texas for the first time Saturday since Hurricane Harvey wrecked havoc on the area in what has been described as the worst natural disaster in the state's history.

As residents of the area were still trying to get over the devastation of the more than $70 billion worth of damages caused by the storm, a profound double-header took place between the Astros and visiting New York Mets.

In what can be described as a heart-warming night, here are some of the best photos taken from one of the most emotional evenings of baseball in recent memory.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Before the first of two games got underway between the Astros and Mets, manager A.J. Hinch addressed the audience to thank Houston for their courage and strength through the tough times of Harvey and announced that the club will wear a Houston Strong patch to honor and remember the fight the city put forward.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was in attendance to chat with brave members of the city's community and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

A Mets fan displays a sign sending their love to Houston after Harvey tragically destroyed the city. The Mets agreed to play a double-header Saturday so a day of service could be had in Houston on Friday.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

MVP candidate and fan favorite Jose Altuve is swarmed by adoring fans before the start of Game 1 of the double-header. Altuve is hitting a remarkable .358 with less than a month remaining in the season.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

While the city of Houston continued to try and recover from Hurricane Harvey, the Astros had no problem handling Mets starter Matt Harvey in Game 1 of the double-header. The Astros lit up Harvey for seven earned runs in two innings during his first start back from injury, much to the delight of their fans.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

A new player graced the outfield of Minute Maid Park on Saturday when Cameron Maybin, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels earlier this week, took the field for the first time in an Astros uniform. Maybin went 1-for-5 in his debut.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

The more-anticipated of the Astros' recent acquisitions, Justin Verlander, was also in attendance and donned the uniform of his new team for the first time. Verlander tossed a bullpen session and was immediately welcomed by the fans of his new home.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

In one of the strangest at-bats of the night, and potentially the season, Mets infielder Wilmer Flores broke his own nose after fouling a ball off his face. The 26-year-old's injury is just another in a series for the plagued Mets this season.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

When all was said and done, Altuve and the American League West-leading Astros gave the fans in Houston something to cheer about as they swept the double-header and moved 12 1/2 games ahead of the Angels for top spot in the division.