Isaac Paredes broke a late tie with a two-run double in the eighth inning as the Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
The matchup featured the major league debut of Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, but the Astros’ new signing struggled with command early and failed to complete three innings. Houston still recovered to split the four-game series after its offense delivered in key moments late in the game.
The Angels erased an early deficit and briefly grabbed the lead behind timely hitting from Jorge Soler and Zach Neto. However, Houston answered repeatedly and capitalized on late opportunities to secure the win.
The game closed an eventful opening series for both clubs and highlighted the offensive potential each lineup carries entering the new season.
Paredes Comes Through In The Eighth
Houston finally regained control in the eighth inning after both teams traded runs through the middle innings.
The Astros put runners on first and third with two outs against Angels reliever Drew Pomeranz. Los Angeles elected to intentionally walk Yordan Alvarez, hoping to set up a force play and avoid letting Houston’s top slugger decide the game.
Instead, Alvarez stole second base moments later and increased the pressure on the Angels’ defense.
Paredes responded by lining a sharp double into the gap, driving home two runs and giving Houston an 8-6 advantage. Jose Altuve followed immediately with another double that extended the lead to three runs and energized the home crowd.
The late rally capped another productive afternoon for Houston’s lineup, which consistently forced Los Angeles pitchers into difficult situations.
Imai’s Debut Ends Early
Much of the pregame attention centered on Imai, who made his first major league start after signing a three-year contract with Houston during the offseason.
The Astros invested heavily in the former Japanese star following an accomplished career with the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball. Imai arrived with strong expectations after earning multiple All-Star selections overseas.
His debut, however, proved uneven.
The right-hander struggled with control throughout his outing and lasted only 2 2/3 innings. He allowed four runs on three hits while walking four batters and striking out four.
Imai flashed impressive velocity and movement at times, but the Angels remained patient and forced him into deep counts early.
Houston gave him an early cushion with a four-run second inning, but Los Angeles quickly erased much of that advantage.
Angels Rally Behind Soler And Neto
The Angels responded aggressively after falling behind early.
Zach Neto started the third-inning rally when he walked and advanced on Mike Trout’s single. Nolan Schanuel followed with another walk to load the bases before Jorge Soler delivered the biggest swing of the inning.
Soler ripped a bases-clearing double into the left-field corner to pull Los Angeles within one run. Jo Adell later tied the game with a two-out RBI single that ended Imai’s afternoon.
The Angels continued applying pressure in the fourth inning.
Neto connected on a two-run homer to left field that gave Los Angeles a 6-4 lead. The shortstop continued his strong start to the season and provided a major spark offensively throughout the series.
Soler finished with three RBIs and consistently produced quality at-bats in the middle of the lineup.
Astros Respond Again
Houston answered quickly after falling behind.
Christian Walker tied the game in the fifth inning with a two-run double that scored two runners and evened the score at 6-6.
Walker’s hit continued a productive afternoon for the Astros offense, which generated steady traffic on the bases despite inconsistent pitching performances.
Christian Vázquez also played an important role earlier in the game. His two-run single highlighted Houston’s four-run second inning and helped establish the early lead.
Altuve contributed key late offense as well and added another extra-base hit after Paredes delivered the decisive blow in the eighth.
The Astros lineup remained aggressive throughout the afternoon and repeatedly capitalized on scoring opportunities against the Angels bullpen.
Angels Pitching Struggles Continue
Los Angeles received solid offensive production but could not hold the lead late.
Starter Jack Kochanowicz struggled through four innings and allowed six runs on four hits while issuing five walks. Houston’s hitters showed patience and repeatedly forced the young right-hander into hitter-friendly counts.
The Angels bullpen initially stabilized the game after Kochanowicz exited, but Houston eventually broke through in the eighth inning against Pomeranz.
Los Angeles also missed chances to slow Houston’s momentum earlier in the game. Defensive pressure and control issues persisted throughout the series.
Even after cutting the deficit to two runs in the ninth inning on Schanuel’s RBI single, the Angels could not complete another comeback.
King Secures First Save
Houston reliever Bryan King closed out the game after replacing Bryan Abreu in the ninth inning.
The Angels placed two runners on base and brought the tying run to the plate, but King remained composed under pressure. After Schanuel’s RBI single trimmed the lead to 9-7, King struck out the final two hitters to earn the first save of his major league career.
The Astros bullpen absorbed important innings after Imai’s short outing and helped preserve the series split.
Series Ends Evenly
The four-game set ended with both teams taking two games.
Houston showed resilience after several uneven pitching performances during the series, while the Angels displayed offensive depth despite inconsistent late-game results.
For the Astros, the series also offered an early look at Imai’s adjustment period as he transitions to the Major Leagues. While his debut fell short of expectations, Houston remains confident in his long-term upside.
The Angels left Houston encouraged by contributions from Neto, Soler, and Trout but frustrated by missed opportunities on the mound.
Up Next
The Angels continue their road trip Monday night when Ryan Johnson starts the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
Houston returns home to face the Boston Red Sox, with Lance McCullers scheduled to make his season debut for the Astros.
