Astros Icebox

HOUSTON, TX – August 30, 2025 — The Houston Astros endured a frustrating defeat on Saturday night, as the Los Angeles Angels used a three-run ninth inning to secure a 4-1 victory at Daikin Park. The loss was particularly painful for Houston, as their bullpen, which had been a source of strength all season, faltered in the final frame after a hard-fought pitching duel.

The game was a nail-biter from the start, dominated by strong performances from both starting pitchers. Angels starter Kyle Hendricks gave up just one run over six innings, scattering seven hits and holding the Astros to just one hit with runners in scoring position. Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti was equally impressive, striking out a season-high eight batters over 6.1 innings while allowing just one run on a solo home run to Zach Neto in the third.

The Astros offense struggled to get a clutch hit early on, but managed to tie the game in the fourth inning when Jesús Sánchez hit an infield single that scored Jeremy Peña. From there, the game remained a 1-1 deadlock, heading into the final inning. However, a tough night for Houston’s Bryan Abreu, who had been on a scoreless streak for his last 12 appearances, saw him give up a two-run single to Oswald Peraza that broke the tie. Mike Trout followed with a bases-loaded walk to extend the Angels’ lead to 4-1.

The Astros were unable to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, and the game ended with a spectacular leaping catch at the wall by Jo Adell to rob Cam Smith of a potential home run. The loss drops the Astros’ record to 75-61, leaving them with a 3.0-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West. The Astros will look to bounce back and win the third of the four-game matchup on Sunday afternoon.