Astros Fall Short of Playoffs Despite Big Win Over Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-1 on Saturday night, but the victory was bittersweet as it marked the end of the Astros’ playoff chances for the season. The game at Angel Stadium featured a stellar performance from Kyle Tucker, who homered twice.

Houston’s loss of playoff contention was confirmed just hours before their game when the Cleveland Guardians clinched the final American League playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Texas. This outcome ended Houston’s eight-year playoff streak, during which they made seven consecutive trips to the AL Championship Series and won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.

Astros manager Joe Espada decided to rest key players early in the game, pulling top hitters after just two innings. In the second inning, Tucker connected for a two-run homer, extending the Astros’ lead. Yainer Díaz’s single preceded the long ball off of Angels starter Caden Dana.

In the fourth, Tucker struck again, launching another homer to give Houston a 3-0 lead. Jesús Sánchez added to the score with his own two-run homer in the sixth inning, making it a commanding 5-0. Tucker capped off his night with a solo homer in the ninth, marking his 27th of the season.

Starting pitcher Framber Valdez delivered a solid outing for Houston, allowing one hit in four scoreless innings. Reliever A.J. Blubaugh came in to finish the game, giving up one run and two hits while striking out five.

Despite the Angels’ struggles, they showed resilience. Dana, a rookie right-hander, pitched seven strong innings, giving up five runs on five hits. The Angels’ best chance to close the gap came in the sixth inning, but they fell short when several key strikeouts kept the Astros ahead.

Sunday’s game will be significant, as it will be only the fourth time since 2015 that the Astros play without playoff hopes. They look to end the season on a high note as Lance McCullers (2-5, 6.71 ERA) starts against Angels lefty Samuel Aldegheri (0-1, 8.00).