HOUSTON, TX – April 18, 2025 – The Houston Astros kicked off their home series against the San Diego Padres with a solid 6-4 victory last night at Daikin Park, highlighted by a stellar offensive performance from Cam Smith, who launched two home runs.
Astros rookie right-hander Ryan Gusto (2-1) earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing two earned runs on nine hits. The bullpen held strong, with Josh Hader (5th save) closing out the ninth to seal the victory. Padres starter Kyle Hart (2-1) took the loss, surrendering five earned runs on ten hits over five innings.
The Padres drew first blood in the top of the second inning with an RBI fielder’s choice from Tyler Wade. However, the Astros quickly responded in the bottom half of the frame. With two outs and two runners on, Cam Smith blasted a three-run home run to center field, giving the Astros a 3-1 lead.
Houston extended their lead in the third when Yainer Díaz hit an RBI single. Smith wasn’t done, adding a solo home run in the fourth inning, his second of the game, pushing the score to 5-2.
The Padres attempted to rally in the seventh inning, with Luis Arraez hitting a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 5-4. But the Astros added an insurance run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Jake Meyers, making it 6-4.
The Astros tallied 12 hits in the contest, matching the Padres’ hit total, and secured the first game of the three-game set. The victory improves the Astros’ record to 9-10 on the season.
