Mike Trout powers Angels to season-opening win over Astros

Trout homers, Soriano shines as Angels defeat Astros 3-0 on Opening Day

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mike Trout hit a home run and José Soriano pitched six strong innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 in their season opener on Thursday. Trout's seventh-inning solo shot broke a scoreless tie, and the Angels' bullpen closed out the three-hit shutout.

Why it matters

The win marks a strong start to the season for the Angels, who are hoping for a bounce-back year after Trout's injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The loss is a disappointing start for the Astros, who are looking to defend their AL West title.

The details

Trout, making his franchise-record 14th opening day start, broke the scoreless tie with a 403-foot home run off Astros reliever AJ Blubaugh in the seventh inning. Oswald Peraza added an RBI single in the eighth, and Nolan Schanuel homered in the ninth to provide insurance. Angels starter José Soriano allowed just two hits over six innings, striking out seven. Four Angels relievers, including Jordan Romano in his debut, completed the three-hit shutout.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • Trout's home run came in the seventh inning.

The players

Mike Trout

A three-time MVP outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who is hoping to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

José Soriano

The Angels' starting pitcher, who allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings in the season opener.

Yordan Alvarez

The Astros' designated hitter, who hit a towering shot that was ruled a foul ball after hitting a rafter in the closed retractable roof stadium.

Jordan Romano

The Angels' relief pitcher who earned the save in his debut with the team.

Hunter Brown

The Astros' starting pitcher, who allowed four hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

What’s next

The teams will resume their four-game series on Friday, with the Angels' Yusei Kikuchi facing the Astros' Mike Burrows.

The takeaway

This season-opening win for the Angels provides an encouraging start as they look to bounce back from Trout's injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The loss is a disappointing beginning for the Astros, who will look to rebound in the remaining games of the series.