Trout hits home run, reaches base four times in game; Suzuki's debut as manager brings Angels opening victory

It was only the first game of the season, but veteran Mike Trout proved he remains a top star in the league, and right-handed pitcher José Soriano also showed he is on the path to becoming a star.

Trout today had 1 hit in 2 at-bats, contributing a solo home run, three walks, and one stolen base, becoming the first Angels player since Darin Erstad in 2000 to reach base four times in an opening game. Soriano pitched six scoreless innings as starter, striking out seven, helping the Angels shut out the Astros 3-0 today at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

This victory gave Kurt Suzuki a successful start in his debut as manager, and it was the Angels' second win in their last 13 opening games. The team's last opening game victory away from home was on April 1, 2013, in Cincinnati.

Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, became the first player in team history to start in 14 opening games and play for the team for at least 16 seasons. This 34-year-old veteran proved he still has fuel in the tank, becoming the first Angels player since Darin Erstad in 2000 to reach base four times in an opening game. He also returned to center field for the first time since April 29, 2024, returning to his familiar position after moving to right field last year.

Trout drew three walks against Astros right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown; Brown struck out nine but threw 102 pitches over only 4.2 innings. Trout also easily stole second base in the first inning, which is a good sign for him. In the 2025 season, he completed only two stolen bases due to a left knee bone bruise in late April, but now his running condition is better than at any time since his left knee meniscus tear in 2024.

Trout's brilliant hit came in the seventh inning: against relief pitcher AJ Blubaugh, he hit a 96.2 mph middle-fastball over the left field wall, flying 403 feet without doubt. This is Trout's fifth opening game home run in his career, setting a new team record, and among active players, it is second only to Tyler O'Neill and Bryce Harper's six.

This was enough for Soriano. In his first career opening game start, he allowed only two hits and four walks, earning the win. He prepared thoroughly for this start, with his four-seam fastball reaching up to 101.3 mph, generating 19 swings-and-misses overall, with his knuckle-curve contributing eight and his sinker contributing seven. This ground-ball specialist also induced eight ground-ball outs, with only one fly-ball out.