Isaac Paredes crushed a three-run home run to cap a big five-run second inning, and Hayden Wesneski struck out a career-best 10 batters as the Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 on Sunday.
Cam Smith and Mauricio Dubón drove in runs with RBI singles before Paredes launched his third homer in as many games — all to left field — into the Crawford Boxes, giving Houston a 5-2 advantage. Paredes continues to heat up at the plate in the early season.
Jeremy Peña added an RBI groundout in the sixth, and Jose Altuve extended the lead with a sacrifice fly in the seventh.
Wesneski (1-1) was solid through six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, all coming via solo home runs. He set down 11 straight Angels hitters at one point before Kevin Newman snapped the streak with a two-out single in the fifth.
Taylor Ward opened the game with his 10th career leadoff homer — his fifth long ball in as many games. Nolan Schanuel followed with a solo shot in the second, and Jorge Soler added another solo homer in the sixth for the Angels’ final run.
Kyle Hendricks (0-1) struggled for Los Angeles, giving up five runs on four hits over four innings. He allowed two runs in his first two starts this season.
Key Moment
With two on and two out in the seventh, Houston reliever Bryan Abreu fanned Taylor Ward to escape the jam and preserve a 6-3 lead.
Key Stat
Astros pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts without issuing a single walk.
Up Next
After a day off on Monday, the Angels begin a three-game road set at Texas on Tuesday with Yusei Kikuchi on the mound. The Astros open a series in St. Louis on Monday, sending Framber Valdez to the hill.