Isaac Paredes slams three-run homer in Astros win over Angels

In Houston on April 13, 2025, Isaac Paredes showcased his power by hitting a three-run homer, contributing significantly to the Astros' victory over the Los Angeles Angels with a final score of 7-3. This impressive performance was part of a dynamic five-run second inning for the Astros. Paredes’ homer boosted their lead to 5-2, demonstrating both his current form and the strength of the team's offense. Earlier in the inning, Cam Smith and Mauricio Dubón helped set the tone with RBI singles against Angels starter Kyle Hendricks, illustrating the collective effort of the Houston lineup. Pitching played a crucial role in the game as Hayden Wesneski struck out a career-high 10 batters over six innings, allowing three runs, each on solo home runs. His ability to control the game kept the Astros in a solid position, particularly as he retired 11 consecutive batters at one point. Despite the offensive fireworks, the Angels also had moments of brightness with Taylor Ward leading off with a solo home run, marking his tenth career leadoff shot. Ward's recent power surge included five homers over his last five games, suggesting his significant contribution to the Angels’ offense. The dynamic of the game shifted as Houston consistently found ways to add to their score. Jeremy Peña added an RBI groundout in the sixth inning, and Jose Altuve contributed with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Hendricks, who had previously pitched well this season, struggled against the Astros’ lineup, allowing five runs in just four innings pitched. This marked a stark contrast to his earlier performances, where he had only given up two runs in his first two starts. The Angels aimed to recover in the late innings, but the Astros' pitching staff effectively suppressed their comeback efforts and held a steady lead. In a critical moment in the seventh inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, Bryan Abreu struck out Taylor Ward to end the inning and maintain Houston's three-run advantage. The Astros’ pitchers collectively delivered a strong performance with a total of 16 strikeouts and no walks, showcasing their dominance on the mound. As the Astros celebrated their victory, they prepared for an off day before facing the Texas Rangers, while the Angels looked ahead to their upcoming matchup. This game underscored the competitive nature of the league and the importance of timely hitting and effective pitching in securing wins.