Brice Matthews Has First Career Three-Hit Game in Astros' Loss to Orioles Brice Matthews, a 24-year-old rookie, recorded his first career three-hit game during the Astros’ 5-3 loss to the Orioles on Tuesday night. The performance, which included two RBIs, brought him closer to a cycle as he went triple shy of the feat. His batting average increased by more than 50 points following the game. Matthews’ game began with a home run in the fifth inning against Orioles starter Shane Baz. The ball, hit with an exit velocity of 109.7 mph, cleared the wall at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. “It felt really good,” Matthews said. “Just trying to put the bat on the ball more. Not trying to do too much. I feel like if I hit the ball on the barrel, the ball is going to go. So just trying to simplify and just shorten up and keep it easy.” The home run was the first of six extra-base hits Matthews has recorded this season. His three-hit game, which also included a double and a triple, marked a notable step in his development. Matthews emphasized that the outcome was not a surprise, as he has long believed in his ability to perform at the highest level. “This was something I always thought I could do,” he said. “It wasn’t like a surprise for me. I know I have the capability. I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night.” Astros manager Joe Espada praised Matthews’ approach, noting that his ability to hit the ball squarely has made him an exciting player to watch. “When he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.” Despite Matthews’ strong performance, the Astros struggled to capitalize on his efforts.#astros #camden_yards #brice_matthews #orioles #shane_baz
Angels-Astros 2026 Opening Day FAQ The Angels and Astros will open the 2026 season with a highly anticipated matchup at Daikin Park, marking their first Opening Day game in Houston since 2022. The contest, set for April 7, will feature two teams with contrasting goals: the Angels, who finished last in the American League West in 2025, and the Astros, seeking to return to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. The game will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including FanDuel Sports Network West for the Angels and Space City Home Network for the Astros, with additional coverage available via radio and streaming services. The Astros, who fell just one game short of the playoffs in 2025, will unveil a retooled lineup featuring key players like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Yordan Alvarez. Correa, who missed the 2025 postseason due to injury, will make his Opening Day debut since 2021. Manager Joe Espada praised the team’s spring training performance, noting they are mentally and physically prepared for the season despite some injuries. The Angels, meanwhile, will rely on Mike Trout’s return to center field and a mix of young talent, including Oswald Peraza and Adam Frazier, to bolster their offense. The pitching matchup will pit Angels right-hander José Soriano against Astros ace Hunter Brown. Soriano, a 10-11, 4.26 ERA pitcher, will make his first Opening Day start after three strong seasons, including a 1.00 ERA in nine innings against the Astros in 2025. Brown, a 12-9, 2.43 ERA right-hander, will aim to build on his 2025 season, during which he struck out a career-high 206 batters.#daikin_park #carlos_correa #angels #astros #jose_alvarez
