Cam Smith broke the game open with a two-run double in the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros completed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a 7-4 victory on Wednesday night.
Yainer Diaz and Jeremy Peña each hit solo home runs for Houston, while Hayden Wesneski earned a win in his first major league start in nearly 15 months after returning from Tommy John surgery. The Astros continued their recent surge, winning for the eighth time in nine games to improve to 55-55 and climb within one game of first place in the American League West.
The Angels started quickly with three runs in the opening inning but could not hold the lead, dropping their 18th game in the last 23 contests.
Angels Jump Ahead Early
Los Angeles wasted little time putting pressure on Wesneski.
The Angels collected four hits in the first inning, with Vaughn Grissom delivering a two-run double to open the scoring. Jo Adell followed later in the inning with an RBI single, giving the home team a 3-0 advantage.
Despite the rocky start, Wesneski settled down immediately. The right-hander held the Angels scoreless over the remainder of his outing, allowing only three hits after the opening frame.
Making his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2025, Wesneski pitched 5 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked two to earn his first victory of the season.
Astros Chip Away
Houston began its comeback with the long ball.
Yainer Diaz connected for a solo home run in the second inning, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Jeremy Peña followed with another solo shot in the third, bringing the Astros within one run.
Meanwhile, Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez settled into a groove after the early damage. He retired the side in order in both the fourth and fifth innings and appeared poised to carry the lead deeper into the game.
Rodriguez finished five innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two. After throwing 98 pitches, the Angels turned the game over to the bullpen.
Sixth-Inning Rally Turns The Game
Houston seized control against reliever Mitch Farris.
Tyler Trammell drew a one-out walk before Diaz singled to put two runners aboard. Smith then lined a double into the left-field corner, driving home both runners and giving the Astros their first lead of the night at 4-3.
The aggressive baserunning continued after Smith reached third on a wild pitch. Moments later, another wild pitch allowed him to score, extending Houston’s lead to 5-3.
The three-run inning erased the Angels’ early advantage and shifted momentum firmly to the visitors.
Astros Add Insurance
Houston continued to build its lead in the seventh inning.
Jose Altuve singled and raced home from first base when Diaz dropped a bloop single into shallow right field, stretching the lead to 6-3.
The Angels answered with a sacrifice fly from Adell in the eighth to trim the margin to two runs, but Houston added another insurance run in the ninth after Los Angeles committed an error.
Bryan Abreu recorded the final four outs to earn his seventh save, securing the Astros’ third straight victory in the series.
Houston Continues Strong Stretch
The sweep highlighted Houston’s dramatic turnaround after a slow start to the season.
The Astros reached the .500 mark for the first time since April 7, when they stood at 6-6. Their recent run has put them firmly back in the American League West race.
Diaz finished with a home run, two hits and two RBIs, while Smith delivered the decisive blow with his go-ahead double. Peña also contributed with his solo homer as Houston’s offense responded after falling behind by three runs.
For the Angels, Grissom and Adell each drove in two runs, but the club could not generate enough offense after the first inning as its recent struggles continued.
Up Next
The Angels opened a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. Los Angeles was scheduled to send right-hander Ryan Johnson, who entered with a 2-5 record and a 7.34 ERA, to the mound against Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan, who carried a 5-4 record and a 3.51 ERA.