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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 19: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Daikin Park on July 19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Wasn’t it 35 years ago when the Red-Hot Chili Peppers sang “Give it away, Give it away now?” That’s exactly what the Angels did on this night. They gave it away; fortunately for Houston. Astros 6. Angels 4.
In the ninth inning, the Astros would do it by a matter of inches. First, Isaac Paredes would be slightly grazed by a pitch with the bases loaded which would tie things up. Moments later LaMonte Wade Jr., by the narrowest of margins, would draw a walk which gave Houston their first lead of the night. A fielding error by Angels reliever Sam Bachman would allow Yordan Alvarez to score an insurance run and that would be your final. It was an improbable comeback, just like Friday night in Chicago.
Even with the jubilation of the end result, much of the night was painted by a sad commentary. The Astros were fortunate to only be down by two runs at the end of the first inning. That was the boat the Astros found themselves in, which actually seemed like more like a sinking ship. The culprit once again was Tatsuya Imai, who allowed four walks and received the quick hook from Manager Joe Espada after tossing just 33 pitches. The issue was 21 of those pitches were balls, which resulted in a disastrous start from Anaheim.
Upon Imai’s departure, AJ Blubaugh would get Angels 3B Denzer Guzman to fly out to end the first frame, stranding three Angels runners. However, in the bottom of the third, Vaughn Grissom would drive in his second run of the night, hitting a solo shot to center field. It was Grissom’s 7th home run of season. Josh Lowe would then reach on a throwing error by Jose Altuve. Moments later, Lowe would come around to score on a double by Jo Adell. By the time the third was in the books, the Angels had increased their lead to 4-0. Blubaugh would work 2 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits, a run, while registering a strikeout.
In the fourth inning, Taylor Trammell would notch his fifth home run of the year on a two out blast to get the Astros on the board. In the bottom of the fourth, Christian Javier (W, 1-1) would enter in relief. Javier would go five innings, striking out seven while scattering three hits. Javier would strike out the side in the bottom of the 8th, throwing just 70 pitches through his performance. It’s possible that Javier’s outing will ultimately propel him back into the starting rotation next month.
In bottom of the 8th inning, Yordan Alvarez would end a 0-8 slump, driving in Jeremy Pena recording his league leading 78th RBI. Pena reached on a leadoff double. Pena will carry a 9-game hitting streak into tomorrow night. However, with a 0-5 outing, Jose Altuve is now mired in a 0-13 slump. The 9th featured ten Astros batters coming to plate in placing the four spot on the board to complete the comeback.
Josh Hader (S, 13) would make things interesting in the bottom of the ninth walking a pair but would eventually close the door. The Astros have now won 6 of their last 7 games.
Peter Lambert will take the hill tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 8:38pm CDT.
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