Astros face must-win situation vs. Mike Trout, Angels

After squandering a golden opportunity to improve their postseason chances, the Houston Astros look to keep their slim hopes alive when they continue a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday in Anaheim, Calif.

Houston (85-75) was on the verge of gaining a game on the Detroit Tigers (86-74) and the Cleveland Guardians (86-74) in the American League wild-card race after the latter two teams lost earlier on Friday night.

Mike Trout spoiled those plans with a pair of solo homers in the Angels' 4-3 win over the Astros, including a tiebreaking shot to begin the eighth inning.

"It was a must-win game for us, definitely," Houston third baseman Carlos Correa said. "That's how we were approaching it. And we just didn't get the job done. It's not over yet. It looks very uphill. But we've still got to go (Saturday) and keep the same mentality and go out there and win."

Houston lost for the sixth time in its last seven games and trails Detroit by one game for the final AL wild-card spot with two games to play.

The Astros must win both of their final regular-season games and hope that either Detroit or Cleveland lose their last two.

"Obviously, very tough," Houston second baseman Jose Altuve said. "Now we have no other option but come (Saturday), win and win the next day and hope for some type of results. We still have a chance, and we'll push hard and play hard."

Los Angeles (72-88) clinched last place in the AL West with a 9-4 loss to visiting Kansas City on Thursday night. That said, Trout is finishing the season on a high note with three homers in his last two games.

"I definitely have more confidence," Trout said. "It's something I can take into the offseason and work on. It's good to see results. I've said it before throughout the years, it would feel good in the cage but I just wouldn't get results. But now I'm getting results."

Saturday's pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers as Houston's AJ Blubaugh (3-1, 1.93 ERA) faces the Angels' Caden Dana (0-3, 6.39).

Blubaugh, 25, has worked primarily as a reliever in 10 games with the Astros this season. He is pitching for the first time since last Sunday, when he tossed three scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners.

Blubaugh has thrown 15 scoreless innings over his last seven appearances. The rookie is facing Los Angeles for the second time after pitching a scoreless inning against the Angels on Aug. 31.

The Angels will counter with Dana, who is seeking his first victory of the season. He allowed two runs over a season-high six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies last Sunday.

The Angels have been encouraged by development of the 21-year-old Dana, who retired 11 of the final 14 batters he faced against Colorado.

"He's been awesome," Los Angeles pitcher Kyle Hendricks said. "To be that young and be where he's at mentally and the things he's trying to learn, he's asking all the right questions. He's in the right places, he's such a hard worker. There is so much in front of him and his career; I'm so excited for that. He's really taking advantage of his opportunity."

Dana is set to make his second career start against Houston. He gave up five runs (four earned) over 3 1/3 innings in a 6-4 home loss to the Astros on Sept. 15, 2024.

--Field Level Media