Angels Defeat Astros 6-2 Behind Trout, Lowe, and Neto Homers

Angels start season 2-0 for first time since 2007 as Trout, Lowe, and Neto power the offense

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:18am

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The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros 6-2 on Friday night, led by home runs from Mike Trout, Josh Lowe, and Zach Neto. This marks the first time the Angels have started a season 2-0 since 2007, when they went on to win 94 games and the American League West title.

Why it matters

The Angels' strong start provides hope that they can end their streak of 10 consecutive losing seasons. Mike Trout's hot hitting to begin the year is especially encouraging, as he looks to regain his MVP-caliber form after injuries derailed the past couple of seasons for the Angels' superstar.

The details

Trout hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, his second homer in as many games to start the season. Lowe also hit a three-run shot in the second inning to give the Angels an early lead. Neto added an insurance run with a solo homer in the ninth. Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi struggled to go deep into the game, but the Angels' bullpen was able to preserve the victory.

  • The Angels last started a season 2-0 in 2007.
  • Mike Trout is 4-for-6 with 2 homers and 4 walks in his first 10 plate appearances this season.

The players

Mike Trout

The Angels' superstar outfielder, a three-time American League MVP, is looking to bounce back after injuries in recent seasons.

Josh Lowe

The Angels' outfielder is trying to rediscover his form after dealing with injuries the past couple of years with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Zach Neto

The Angels' rookie infielder hit a solo home run in the ninth inning to provide insurance for the victory.

Yusei Kikuchi

The Angels' starting pitcher struggled to go deep into the game, lasting only 4.1 innings while allowing 2 runs.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' manager turned the game over to the bullpen after Kikuchi's short outing, and the relief pitchers were able to preserve the victory.

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What they’re saying

“No one is going to crown them with anything for winning two games in the first series of the year, but Trout's start has nonetheless provided some hope that maybe this year will be the end of their streak of 10 consecutive losing seasons.”

— Jeff Fletcher, Author

What’s next

The Angels will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face the Astros again on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Angels' 2-0 start, powered by the hitting of Mike Trout, Josh Lowe, and Zach Neto, provides optimism that this team can finally end its decade-long streak of losing seasons and potentially contend for a playoff spot in 2023.