Rookie George Klassen allowed just one hit over a career-high seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the AL West-leading Houston Astros 3-1 on Tuesday night.
Klassen also set a career high with seven strikeouts in only his fifth major league start. Josh Lowe homered, while Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto drove in the other two runs as Los Angeles earned its second win in three games.
The Angels scored all three runs with two outs and carried a shutout into the eighth. Houston lost its third consecutive game despite remaining atop the AL West.
Klassen Controls Astros Lineup
Klassen faced immediate pressure in the first inning but quickly established control.
Isaac Paredes drew a two-out walk before Jose Altuve singled. It would be Houston’s only hit against Klassen all night.
With two runners aboard, Klassen struck out Daulton Varsho to end the inning and keep the game scoreless.
The rookie then retired the Astros without allowing another baserunner until Paredes walked to open the fourth.
Houston still could not turn the opportunity into a scoring threat. Klassen continued working through the Astros lineup while keeping his pitch count under control.
His final challenge came in the seventh.
Altuve drew a leadoff walk, but Klassen responded by retiring the next three hitters. Two of those outs came on strikeouts, allowing him to finish his longest major league outing without surrendering a run.
Klassen improved to 2-1 after allowing one hit and three walks over seven innings.
Schanuel Opens Scoring
Houston starter Cristian Javier kept Los Angeles off the scoreboard for the first two innings.
The Angels finally broke through with two outs in the third.
Los Angeles put runners at first and second before Schanuel lined an RBI single to give the Angels a 1-0 advantage.
The hit began a pattern that continued throughout the night. Every Los Angeles run came with two outs.
Javier escaped the third without further damage, but Lowe added to the lead one inning later.
Lowe Adds Solo Homer
With two outs in the fourth, Lowe drove a pitch into the left-field seats.
The solo home run doubled the Angels’ advantage to 2-0 and gave Klassen additional support.
Los Angeles struck again after Javier departed.
Schanuel started another two-out rally in the fifth with a single to right field. Neto followed with an RBI double, bringing Schanuel home and extending the lead to 3-0.
That completed the Angels’ scoring.
Javier took the loss and fell to 1-4 after allowing two runs on five hits in four innings.
Although Los Angeles did not produce a large offensive total, its ability to deliver with two outs proved enough behind Klassen’s dominant start.
Houston Finally Breaks Through in Eighth
The Astros entered the eighth with only one hit and no runs.
Klassen’s departure finally gave Houston an opportunity to cut into the deficit.
Cam Smith led off the inning against José Fermin and hit a solo home run, reducing the Angels’ lead to 3-1.
The homer ended the shutout, but Houston could not build a larger rally.
Los Angeles maintained its two-run advantage and turned the game over to Ben Joyce for the ninth.
Joyce Secures Third Save
Joyce gave the Astros no opportunity to complete a late comeback.
The right-hander worked a scoreless ninth to secure his third save of the season and finish the Angels’ 3-1 win.
Houston managed only two hits in the game, with Altuve’s first-inning single accounting for the only one against Klassen.
The Angels’ rookie repeatedly kept the Astros from generating momentum. Even when Houston reached base through walks, Klassen responded by retiring the hitters behind them.
His seven strikeouts established another career high after he had earned his first major league win in his previous start.
Klassen Continues Strong Start to MLB Career
Klassen’s performance was the clear difference for Los Angeles.
Making only his fifth career start, he faced an Astros club leading the AL West and held it scoreless for seven innings.
He allowed one hit and showed an ability to work through the few difficult situations he encountered.
The first inning provided an early test after Paredes and Altuve reached with two outs. Klassen answered by striking out Varsho.
He responded similarly in the seventh after walking Altuve. Instead of allowing Houston to create a late rally, Klassen retired three consecutive batters to complete his outing.
Los Angeles also gave him timely support.
Schanuel drove in the first run and later scored on Neto’s double. Lowe provided the only home run for the Angels, with all three runs coming after two outs.
Houston’s offense finally broke through against the bullpen, but Smith’s eighth-inning homer was not enough to overcome the deficit.
The Angels secured their second win in three games while handing the Astros their third straight loss.
Up Next
The series continues Wednesday night in Houston.
The Astros will start right-hander Ethan Pecko, who is scheduled to make his major league debut.
Los Angeles will counter with right-hander Walbert Ureña, who enters the matchup with an 8-8 record and a 2.67 ERA.