Tyler Anderson delivered a strong performance on the mound, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning and helping the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. The Angels capitalized on early offense and overcame a fan interference incident to even the weekend series.
Anderson, a left-hander making his third start of the season, held Houston hitless through five and two-thirds innings. The bid was broken up when Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez hit a double to left-center with two outs in the sixth. Anderson exited the game after walking Christian Walker immediately after the double. He finished his outing, allowing just one hit, issuing four walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings. The win improved his record to 1-0 on the season.
The Angels took the lead in the top of the first inning against Astros right-hander Ryan Gusto, who was making his first major league start. After Taylor Ward singled and Luis Rengifo followed with a double, Mike Trout delivered a two-run single to center to put Los Angeles ahead 2-0. Gusto lasted four innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out six. He was charged with the loss, falling to 1-1.
Los Angeles extended its lead with solo home runs in the fourth and fifth innings. First baseman Nolan Schanuel connected on a deep fly to right for his second homer of the season, and Ward added another solo shot in the following frame to give the Angels a 4-0 advantage.
The game also featured a rare fan interference moment in the second inning. With two outs, Yainer Diaz sent a high fly toward the right-field stands. Trout entered the crowd and appeared to secure the ball, but a fan wearing an Astros jersey grabbed it from his glove. First base umpire Alan Porter ruled it a foul ball, citing that a fielder has no protection once reaching into the stands. The Angels elected not to challenge the play, and the fan involved was removed from the section by stadium security.
Houston’s only night run came in the bottom of the eighth, when Isaac Paredes hit a solo home run to left field off reliever José Marte. The blast was Paredes’ third of the year. Angels closer Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth inning, recording his fourth save of the season and the 451st of his career.
The game featured a tight duel with both pitching staffs combining 21 strikeouts. The Angels’ offense was paced by Trout, Ward, and Rengifo, who collectively scored 5-for-13 with three runs scored and batted in.
Before the game, sportsbooks listed the Astros as slight favorites at -120 on the moneyline, with the Angels priced at even money. The over/under for total runs was set at 8.5, which ultimately came in under following the 4-1 final score.
The series concludes on Sunday, with right-hander Hayden Wesneski (0-1, 3.75 ERA) scheduled to start for Houston. Los Angeles will counter with right-hander Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 1.64 ERA), who will be making his third start of the season.