Angels Squander 6-Run Lead in Loss to Astros

Bullpen collapse leads to 11-9 defeat despite homers from Soler and Peraza

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:35am

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The Los Angeles Angels surrendered eight unearned runs in the sixth inning, blowing a six-run lead and falling 11-9 to the Houston Astros on Saturday night. The Angels had jumped out to an early 6-2 advantage, powered by home runs from Jorge Soler and Oswald Peraza, but the bullpen imploded in the sixth, allowing the Astros to score eight runs and take an 11-6 lead.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough blow for the Angels, who had won their first two games of the season and were looking to continue their hot start. The bullpen collapse raises questions about the team's pitching depth and ability to hold leads late in games, which could prove critical in a competitive AL West division race.

The details

Angels starter Reid Detmers pitched well, striking out nine batters without a walk, but was pulled after 95 pitches in the fifth inning. The bullpen then unraveled, with reliever Ureña recording just one out in the sixth while giving up five runs, four of them unearned due to a pair of errors. The Astros capitalized, scoring eight runs in the frame to erase the Angels' 6-2 advantage.

  • The Angels jumped out to a 6-2 lead by the fifth inning.
  • Ureña entered the game in the sixth inning and quickly gave up five runs, four of them unearned.
  • The Astros scored eight runs in the sixth inning to take an 11-6 lead.

The players

Reid Detmers

The Angels' starting pitcher, who struck out nine batters without a walk over 4.2 innings.

Ureña

The Angels' reliever who recorded just one out in the sixth inning while giving up five runs, four of them unearned.

Jorge Soler

The Angels' designated hitter, who hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Oswald Peraza

The Angels' third baseman, who hit a solo home run in the third inning.

Mike Trout

The Angels' center fielder, who had an RBI single and two walks, continuing his hot start to the season.

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What they’re saying

“We had the game in our hands and just couldn't close it out. That's a tough one to swallow, but we'll bounce back.”

— Mike Trout

What’s next

The Angels will look to bounce back on Sunday as they wrap up their series against the Astros.

The takeaway

This collapse highlights the Angels' need to shore up their bullpen if they want to sustain their early-season success and compete in the tough AL West division.