Astros Bats Silenced in Season-Opening Loss to Angels

Mike Trout's homer powers Los Angeles to 3-0 win over Houston

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Astros were held to just three hits in their season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Mike Trout hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie and lead the Angels to a 3-0 victory. Astros starter Hunter Brown struck out nine but allowed four hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings.

Why it matters

The Astros are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, but their offense struggled mightily in the opener against the Angels. Meanwhile, a healthy Mike Trout could signal a return to MVP-caliber play for the Angels, who are hoping to challenge the Astros in the AL West.

The details

Angels starter José Soriano pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits and four walks while striking out seven. Four Angels relievers combined to complete the three-hit shutout, with Jordan Romano earning the save in his Angels debut. Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez hit a towering shot in the first inning that ricocheted off a rafter and was ruled a foul ball after a replay review.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026, opening day of the MLB season.

The players

Mike Trout

A three-time MVP outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who hit a solo home run to break a scoreless tie in the seventh inning.

José Soriano

The Angels' starting pitcher who allowed just two hits and four walks over six strong innings, striking out seven.

Hunter Brown

The Astros' starting pitcher who struck out nine but allowed four hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings.

Yordan Alvarez

The Astros' designated hitter who hit a towering shot in the first inning that was ruled a foul ball after a replay review.

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

What’s next

The teams resume the four-game series on Friday, with lefty Yusei Kikuchi starting for Los Angeles opposite right-hander Mike Burrows.

The takeaway

The Astros' offense struggled mightily in the season opener, raising questions about their ability to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Meanwhile, a healthy Mike Trout could signal a return to MVP-caliber play for the Angels as they look to challenge the Astros in the AL West.