Reeling Angels can’t stop Álvarez in loss to Astros

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 30, 2026

Yordan Álvarez’s two-out, ninth-inning RBI single lifted the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, including his 35th home run earlier in the game. The victory marks Houston’s seventh win in eight games, keeping them close to the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, while the Angels continue to struggle with 17 losses in their last 22 games.

Yordan Álvarez delivered a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 victory for the Houston Astros over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Álvarez also hit a first-inning solo home run, extending his major league-leading total to 35 this season. Christian Walker contributed with a solo homer earlier in the game, marking his 21st of the year.

The Astros improved their record with their seventh win in eight games, keeping them two games behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West standings. Conversely, the Angels, currently in last place, have suffered 17 losses in their last 22 games.

The decisive rally unfolded in the ninth inning against Angels left-hander Mitch Farris (0-2). Pinch-hitter Nick Allen ignited the rally with a double, followed by Christian Vázquez’s single to shallow right field, which advanced Allen to third base. After Jeremy Peña struck out, Álvarez lined a single to right-center field, driving in the winning run.

Pitching for Houston, relievers Enyel De Los Santos, Bryan Abreu, Steven Okert, and Josh Hader combined for four hitless innings. Okert (4-1) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning, while Hader recorded his 14th save by closing out the ninth with a four-pitch appearance.

Starting pitching saw Reid Detmers of the Angels go five innings, allowing two runs and four hits while striking out nine and issuing no walks. On the Astros’ side, right-hander Peter Lambert also pitched five innings, giving up two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and one walk.

The game featured multiple lead changes. Álvarez’s 427-foot home run came on the first pitch from Detmers, giving Houston an early 1-0 lead. The Angels responded in the third inning when Vaughn Grissom singled in a run to tie the score. Walker’s 411-foot homer in the fourth restored the Astros’ lead at 2-1.

Los Angeles evened the game again in the fifth inning. Mike Trout singled and eventually scored from first base on a double by Jorge Soler down the left-field line. Grissom singled to put runners on first and third in the frame, but Lambert ended the threat by striking out Wade Meckler to conclude the inning.

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