Astros outlasted the Angels 5-4 in 10 innings Monday night in Anaheim. Jose Altuve scored the go-ahead run in the 10th on a popout to shallow center. Brice Matthews threw out Mike Trout at home in the bottom of the 10th to seal it. A wild, dramatic game that showed exactly what this team is capable of. The Astros can bring the drama, but can they build off of the momentum?
The Angels jumped out to a 3-0 lead after O'Hoppe's two-run double off Arrighetti in the first. The Astros chipped away, and Paredes doubled in the sixth and scored on a Wade Jr. double to make it 3-1. Cam Smith chased starter Grayson Rodriguez with an RBI double to tie it at 3, and Zach Neto hit his 13th homer in the seventh to put the Angels back ahead 4-3. Then Christian Walker tied it in the ninth with an RBI single off Kirby Yates, and Altuve scored the go-ahead run in the 10th on a wild, heads-up play.
Altuve started the 10th as the automatic runner at second. He then moved to third on Matthews' bunt single. Altuve tagged up on a popup to shallow center and sprinted home. He slid in safely when O'Hoppe couldn't handle the throw. That is the kind of aggressive baserunning that wins close games.
Trout started the bottom of the 10th as the automatic runner, and Jose Siri singled to lead off. Brice Matthews threw Trout out at home to kill the rally, and Bryan Abreu struck out Adell and retired Guzman to close it out. A crucial outing for Abreu, who has struggled all season in high-leverage situations.
Arrighetti allowed three runs in six innings, not his best, but he gave the team length, which is huge. Hader had not pitched in the big leagues since August 2025 due to injury, making this his first win since returning. A huge moment for him and the team. Abreu picked up his fourth save. The Hader and Abreu combo at the back of the bullpen is exactly what this team needed.
The Astros improve to 31-37 with the win. Walker continues to be one of the most clutch hitters on the roster, and Altuve looks completely healthy and back to his old self.
This was not a pretty win, but it was a character win. The Astros found a way when it mattered most, and that is what they need to keep on doing.
