Kikuchi notches another win behind Bregman, Alvarez homers
We’ll take it. One step closer to another AL West title.
The Astros scored early and just often enough to secure the shaky win despite a total lack of clutch hitting.
Angels Rookie starter Samuel Aldegheri held the top of the Astros order in the first with the help of Jose Altuve getting thrown out at second trying to stretch his hit into a double.
The rookie couldn’t escape his own mistakes in the second inning. Two singles, two walks, and a Yordan Alvarez sac fly resulted in the first two Astros runs.
In the third, a Kyle Tucker single and an Alex Bregman home run gave the Astros a four run lead.
Should be plenty for the Astros edition of Yusei Kikuchi, but in the third and fourth innings Kikuchi let the Angels off the hook. Two leadoff walks, a fielder’s choice and an RBI single by Nolan Schanuel got the Angels half of their runs back.
In the third a Mickey Moniak home run brought the Angels to within one run of the Stros. That would be the high-water mark for the Angels, as Kikuchi knuckled down to hold the Angels through the seventh inning. Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader held down the fort for Kikuchi’s win, with the help of ninth inning Yordan Alvarez homer, his 33rd.
If the Astros hadn’t won this game the story would be 0-9 with runners in scoring position, 11 lobsters, and three GIDPs.
But another multi-hit game for Yainer Diaz, as well as Alex Bregman, Jeremy Pena, Victor Caratini, and Mauricio Dubon.
The Astros and Angels square off again tomorrow, 8:38 CT. Is it Verlander’s last chance to secure a place on the playoff rotation?