Paredes' Late Double Lifts Astros Over Angels Despite Imai's Rough Debut

Astros rally late to win 9-7 in back-and-forth game

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:38pm

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Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking two-RBI double in the eighth inning to help the Houston Astros defeat the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 on Sunday, despite a disappointing major league debut from Astros starter Tatsuya Imai.

Why it matters

The Astros are counting on Imai, a highly touted Japanese import, to be a key part of their rotation this season. His rough outing raises questions about his readiness for the big leagues, but the Astros were able to rally late to secure the win.

The details

Paredes' go-ahead double came with two outs in the eighth inning after the Angels had intentionally walked Yordan Alvarez to load the bases. Jose Altuve followed with an RBI double to give the Astros a 9-6 lead. The Angels scored a run in the ninth but couldn't complete the comeback. Imai allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings in his MLB debut, while the Angels' Jack Kochanowicz gave up six runs in four innings.

  • The game was tied 6-6 in the fourth inning when Zach Neto hit a two-run homer to put the Angels up 6-4.
  • With one out in the third inning, Imai walked Neto and then gave up a single to Mike Trout before Nolan Schanuel walked to load the bases. Jorge Soler then cleared the bases with a double to make it 6-5 Astros.

The players

Isaac Paredes

The Astros' third baseman hit a tiebreaking two-RBI double in the eighth inning to give Houston the lead for good.

Tatsuya Imai

The Astros' starting pitcher made his MLB debut and struggled, allowing four runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Mike Trout

The Angels' star designated hitter had a single and scored a run in the game.

Zach Neto

The Angels' rookie infielder hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to give Los Angeles a 6-4 lead.

Jose Altuve

The Astros' second baseman hit an RBI double in the eighth inning to extend Houston's lead to 9-6.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Astros' high expectations for Imai, their prized Japanese pitching acquisition, as well as the Angels' continued reliance on their star players like Trout and Neto. Despite the rough debut, the Astros were able to rally late to secure the win and avoid a series split.