The Los Angeles Angels broke the game open with a five-run second inning and received another impressive performance from Walbert Ureña in a 10-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.
Wade Meckler and Jo Adell delivered key two-run doubles during the decisive rally, while Ureña repeatedly escaped trouble to help the Angels secure another convincing win. Los Angeles built an early lead and never looked back, backing a pitching effort that limited Houston to one run.
The victory highlighted the Angels’ recent improvement and continued Ureña’s emergence as one of the club’s most reliable starters. Despite constant traffic on the bases, the young right-hander consistently made the pitches he needed when pressure mounted.
Angels Capitalize Early
Los Angeles wasted little time taking control.
The Angels scored twice in the first inning without recording a hit that left the infield. Nolan Schanuel was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the game’s first run. Oswald Peraza followed with an RBI groundout, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 advantage.
Houston starter Kai-Wei Teng struggled to contain the Angels from the start, and the second inning proved even more costly.
Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero opened the inning with a single. Zach Neto was hit by a pitch, and Mike Trout snapped an 0-for-22 slump with a base hit to load the bases.
Meckler then lined a two-run double into the left-center field gap to extend the lead to 4-0. Adell followed with another two-run double, pushing the advantage to 6-0. Peraza added an RBI groundout later in the inning as the Angels completed a five-run frame and built a commanding 7-0 lead.
The offensive outburst effectively put Houston in catch-up mode for the remainder of the night.
Ureña Escapes Repeated Threats
While the Angels offense provided support, Ureña handled several difficult situations on the mound.
Houston placed runners on base in each of the first three innings and again in the fifth. The Astros loaded the bases in the third inning and appeared poised to cut into the deficit.
Ureña responded with one of the biggest pitches of the game.
Facing Joey Loperfido with the bases loaded, the 22-year-old fired a 97 mph fastball for a strikeout to end the inning and preserve the shutout.
The right-hander worked five scoreless innings despite issuing five walks. He allowed only three hits and struck out seven while throwing 107 pitches.
His ability to pitch through traffic has become a defining trait during his recent run of success. Since early May, Ureña has posted a 1.84 ERA across eight starts and lowered his season ERA to 2.44.
Rivero Continues Hot Streak
Rivero played a major role in setting the tone offensively before leaving the game because of injury.
The catcher collected singles in both the second and third innings and continued an impressive stretch at the plate. He entered the game in strong form and has now recorded seven hits in his last seven official at-bats.
Rivero exited in the fifth inning with a left wrist injury, creating another health concern for an Angels team that has dealt with several injuries throughout the season.
His status will be worth monitoring given his recent offensive contributions.
Injury Concerns For Angels
The victory came with a pair of injury developments.
Schanuel, who has already been managing a left ankle issue, left the game after three innings because of left calf tightness. The first baseman has remained an important piece of the lineup despite playing through discomfort.
Rivero’s departure in the fifth inning added another concern.
The Angels did not immediately provide additional details on either player’s condition following the game.
Late Insurance Runs Seal Victory
Los Angeles added three more runs in the eighth inning to remove any remaining doubt.
Trey Mancini contributed a sacrifice fly before Peraza and Denzer Guzman each drove in runs with groundouts. The additional offense stretched the lead to 10-1 and capped another productive night for the Angels lineup.
Peraza finished with three RBIs, contributing both early and late in the game.
Meanwhile, the bullpen completed the job without difficulty. Brent Suter, Drew Pomeranz and Kirby Yates combined to cover the final four innings and protect the comfortable lead.
The relievers allowed only one run as the Angels secured a dominant victory over a division rival.
Up Next
The Angels will look to secure the series victory on Wednesday night when left-hander Reid Detmers takes the mound. Detmers enters the matchup with a 2-5 record and a 4.26 ERA.
Houston is scheduled to start right-hander Peter Lambert, who brings a 5-4 record and a 3.55 ERA into the series finale at Angel Stadium.
