Astros win Game 1 in Anaheim 5-3

We'll take it. One step closer to another AL West title.

The Astros scored early and often enough to secure the shaky victory, although they completely lacked the decisive hits.

Angels rookie starter Samuel Aldegheri held the top of the Astros order in the first inning with help from Jose Altuve, who was thrown out at second base while trying to turn his hit into a double.

The rookie couldn't escape his own mistakes in the second inning. Two singles, two walks and a sacrifice fly from Yordan Alvarez led to the Astros' first two runs.

In the third inning, a single by Kyle Tucker and a home run by Alex Bregman gave the Astros a four-run lead.

That should have been enough for the Astros' version of Yusei Kikuchi, but in the third and fourth innings, Kikuchi let the Angels get away. Two walks, a fielder's choice and an RBI single by Nolan Schanuel gave the Angels half their runs back.

In the third inning, a Mickey Moniak home run brought the Angels within one run of the Stros. That was the high point for the Angels, as Kikuchi fought hard to keep the Angels at bay until the seventh inning. Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader held the fort for Kikuchi's victory, with help from Yordan Alvarez's ninth-inning home run, his 33rd.

If the Astros had not won this game, the record would be 0-9, with runners in scoring position, 11 Lobsters, and three GIDPs.

But another game with multiple hits for Yainer Diaz as well as Alex Bregman, Jeremy Pena, Victor Caratini and Mauricio Dubon.

The Astros and Angels face off again tomorrow at 8:38 a.m. CT. Is this Verlander's last chance to secure a spot in the playoff rotation?

Match report HERE.