Angels Aim to Build on 'Special' Opening Day Win Against Astros

Los Angeles looks to follow up on strong performances from Mike Trout and Jose Soriano in rematch with Houston

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:25pm

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The Los Angeles Angels will look to build on their 3-0 Opening Day victory over the Houston Astros as the two teams meet again on Friday night. In the opener, star outfielder Mike Trout hit a home run and walked three times, while ace Jose Soriano tossed six scoreless innings. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki received a celebratory beer shower from his team after the win, calling it a "special moment." Houston will counter with right-hander Mike Burrows, who had a strong spring training, while the Angels will send out lefty Yusei Kikuchi.

Why it matters

The Angels are hoping to get off to a strong start after missing the playoffs in recent seasons, and the Opening Day victory over their division rival Astros provides an early confidence boost. Meanwhile, Houston will look to bounce back after a tough loss to open the season as they try to defend their AL West title.

The details

In the Angels' 3-0 win, Trout broke a scoreless tie in the seventh inning with a 403-foot home run that landed on the train tracks at Minute Maid Park. Soriano was dominant on the mound, allowing just two hits over six scoreless frames with seven strikeouts. The Astros nearly got on the board early, but a towering fly ball by Yordan Alvarez that hit a roof beam was ruled foul after a video review.

  • The Angels and Astros will meet for the second game of their season-opening series on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The Angels' Opening Day victory was their second such win in the last 13 years.

The players

Mike Trout

The three-time American League MVP and star outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, who hit a home run and walked three times in the team's Opening Day win.

Jose Soriano

The Angels' ace starting pitcher, who tossed six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in the Opening Day victory.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' manager, who received a celebratory beer shower from his team after the Opening Day win, calling it a "special moment."

Mike Burrows

The Houston Astros' right-handed starting pitcher, who had a strong spring training and will make his first career appearance against the Angels.

Yusei Kikuchi

The Angels' left-handed starting pitcher, who will look to improve on his 1-6 record and 5.83 ERA in 16 career starts against the Astros.

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What they’re saying

“It's special. It's a good feeling. Obviously, all the work each and every one of us put in this spring leading up to this moment, it's just Game 1, but still a special moment. You never forget that first one. Good team win.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Manager

“It feels great. It was a tight game. Didn't hit any (home runs) in the spring, but these ones count, so it was good. Good at-bat. Got a pitch to hit, and didn't miss it.”

— Mike Trout

“Mikey's having a good time. He's enjoying himself. He's working his butt off. He's ready to play. I've been saying that all spring, and Game 1 it showed. I'm happy for him.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.