Astros complete improbable comeback against Angels with nine-inning rally
Christian Javier’s five-inning relief performance and a chaotic ninth inning propel the Astros past Los Angeles, extending their winning streak to six of seven games.
The Houston Astros overcame a significant deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4, securing a dramatic comeback victory after trailing 4-0 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. The win extends Houston’s recent momentum, with the team now having won six of their last seven games, while the Angels surrendered four runs in the final frame to lose the contest.
The Angels’ early dominance was driven by a difficult start from pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who was removed after just 33 pitches following a disastrous first inning. Manager Joe Espada issued a quick hook after Imai issued four walks, 21 of which were balls. AJ Blubaugh relieved Imai and ended the inning by inducing a flyout from Denzer Guzman, stranding three runners, but the damage had already been done.
Houston’s rally began in the fourth inning when Taylor Trammell hit a two-out home run, his fifth of the season, to get the Astros on the board. Christian Javier entered the game in relief and delivered a stabilising performance, pitching five innings, striking out seven batters, and scattering three hits. Javier struck out the side in the bottom of the eighth and earned the win, improving his record to 1-1.
The Angels extended their lead to 4-0 in the third inning when Vaughn Grissom hit a solo home run, his seventh of the year. Josh Lowe reached on a throwing error by Jose Altuve and later scored on a double by Jo Adell, further cementing Los Angeles’ early advantage before the Astros’ late surge.
The ninth inning proved decisive as Isaac Paredes was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game at 4-4. LaMonte Wade Jr. drew a walk on the next pitch to give Houston a 5-4 lead. Angels reliever Sam Bachman committed a fielding error that allowed Yordan Alvarez to score an insurance run, making the final score 6-4. Alvarez ended a 0-8 slump by driving in Jeremy Pena, who recorded his league-leading 78th RBI.
Josh Hader recorded his 13th save of the season, walking two batters in the bottom of the ninth but closing the game. Jeremy Pena extended his hitting streak to nine games, while Jose Altuve remains in a 0-13 slump. Peter Lambert is scheduled to start for the Astros in the next game, with first pitch at 8:38 pm CDT.
