Astros Extra-Inning Rally
Jose Altuve and Christian Walker Propel Astros to 5-4 Extra-Inning Victory Over Angels
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The Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 in 10 innings on Monday, with Jose Altuve scoring the go-ahead run on a daring tag-up play in the 10th. Rookie left fielder Brice Matthews then threw out Mike Trout at home plate to seal the win, per AP News.
The victory moves Houston to 31-37 on the season. It was a hard-fought comeback after the Angels led 3-0 early and pushed ahead again in the 7th inning.
Altuve's Bold Tag-Up Breaks the Tie in 10th
In the top of the 10th, Altuve started as the automatic runner on second base. Brice Matthews laid down a bunt single, moving Altuve to third. Jake Meyers then popped out to shallow center field — just 182 feet from home plate — but Altuve tagged up and scored, per Houston Chronicle. Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe failed to handle the one-hop throw and was charged with a fielding error, making it 5-4.
Astros manager Joe Espada praised the team's "championship DNA" after the game. Altuve's decision to run on a shallow pop-out surprised the Angels and proved to be the decisive moment of the night.
Christian Walker's 9th-Inning Single Forces Extra Innings
The Astros trailed 4-3 heading into the 9th. With one out, Christian Walker lined a clutch RBI single off Angels closer Kirby Yates, scoring Jeremy Peña to tie the game at 4-4, according to Big News Network. Walker finished the night 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
Walker is currently a subject of trade rumors ahead of the July deadline. His $60 million, three-year contract is under scrutiny as Houston sits below .500, per MLB Trade Rumors. But performances like Monday's make it harder for the front office to move him.
Matthews Guns Down Trout to End the Angels' Last Threat
In the bottom of the 10th, Mike Trout began the inning as the automatic runner on second. Jose Siri singled to left field, and Trout tried to score. Matthews fielded the ball and fired a perfect throw to the plate. Trout was out. Bryan Abreu then retired the next two batters for his 4th save of the season, per MySA.
Matthews is quickly becoming one of Houston's most important players in 2026. His defensive range across left field, center field, and the infield has made him a key piece during Houston's injury crisis, according to Sports Illustrated.
Mancini's Emotional Return Highlights Angels' Tough Night
Despite the loss, the Angels had a feel-good moment of their own. Trey Mancini, a cancer survivor, made his first MLB appearance in 1,069 days. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the 2nd inning, per LA Times. Mancini last played on July 31, 2023, before his health battle.
The Angels fall to 25-42, the worst record in the American League. Fans at Angel Stadium were heard chanting "Sell the Team" again, directed at owner Arte Moreno. Manager Kurt Suzuki, in his debut season, told reporters his team must stick together through "the good and the bad," per KHON2.
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