Isaac Paredes hit a two-run double in the eighth inning to propel the Houston Astros to a 9-7 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday at Daikin Park, securing a split of their four-game series. Following a rough MLB debut by starter Tatsuya Imai and building on Saturday's six-run comeback, the versatile infielder—starting at three positions early in 2026—capitalized behind Yordan Alvarez, earning praise from manager Joe Espada.
HOUSTON -- In a resilient offensive showing early in the 2026 season, the Astros erased multiple deficits. Starter Tatsuya Imai impressed initially by striking out Mike Trout in the first (confirmed after an ABS challenge) but faltered in the third, allowing a bases-clearing double by Jorge Soler and a game-tying single by Jo Adell. Imai lasted 2 2/3 innings, surrendering four runs on 74 pitches (36 strikes), four walks, and four strikeouts in his MLB debut. "I went out there looking to have fun, but it’s a different environment from when I was in Japan," Imai said, citing nerves and adjustments.
Houston jumped ahead with four runs in the second, highlighted by Christian Vázquez's two-run single. The Angels reclaimed the lead at 6-4 in the fourth on Zach Neto's two-run homer off reliever Roddery Muñoz. Christian Walker tied it in the fifth with a two-run double, finishing 4-for-13 with three walks over the first four games.
In the eighth, with the game tied, runners at second and third, and Alvarez intentionally walked for the third time in the series (loading the bases), Paredes lined a drive to center past a diving Adell, scoring Cam Smith and Alvarez. José Altuve followed with a double that brought Paredes home, making it 9-7. Bryan Abreu faltered early in the ninth, but Bryan King preserved the win.
Paredes, who missed two months last season with a hamstring injury amid infield crowding (Carlos Correa at third, Jeremy Peña at short, Altuve at second, Walker at first), has reached base in all three plate appearances following Alvarez's intentional walks this season. “It’s the beginning of the season and I’ve already played three positions, but it’s something I’m going to get used to and be comfortable,” Paredes said. Espada noted, “He knows who’s hitting in front of him. There’s a reason why he’s hitting behind him.”
