Reid Detmers struggles and Angels give up 20 hits in loss to Astros

Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers delivers during the second inning of a loss to the Houston Astros.

Associated Press

Sept. 21, 2024 Updated 8:05 PM PT

HOUSTON —

Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker hit back-to-back home runs and finished with four hits each in the Houston Astros’ 10-4 win over the Angels on Saturday night.

Victor Caratini launched an early three-run homer to help back Astros starter Ronel Blanco (12-6). Houston had a season-high 20 hits and lowered its magic number to three for clinching the AL West crown.

Alvarez and Tucker connected off reliever Ryan Miller in a span of three pitches in the seventh inning with Houston already leading 8-2. It marked the seventh time the team has hit back-to-back home runs this season.

“He didn’t even let me enjoy the homer because as I was getting to the dugout he was already hitting his,” Alvarez said through an interpreter.

Tucker put together his second consecutive four-hit game. Alvarez entered the night hitless in his previous 12 at-bats.

Alvarez and Tucker hit successive doubles in the first to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. The Angels tied it in the second when Mickey Moniak scored on Logan O’Hoppe’s double after a throwing error by left fielder Mauricio Dubón.

Houston regained the lead in the second when Jose Altuve singled home Caratini with the bases loaded. Jake Meyers scored when the next hitter, Alvarez, grounded into a double play.

Houston broke open the game with a four-run third that included a three-run shot by Caratini, who also walked, singled and scored two runs.

Meyers went two for three with a double, two walks, a stolen base and a run.

Blanco gave up two runs and seven hits over six innings with nine strikeouts. His 2.88 ERA ranks third in the American League.

Angels starter Reid Detmers (4-8) was chased after letting the first four Astros batters reach safely in the third. He gave up seven runs and nine hits while retiring just five of the 17 hitters he faced.

“Too many pitches out over the middle of the plate,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “As relentless as that lineup is, you’ve got to make them work for their at-bats. They had too many easy swings. He was out there competing, but when he didn’t get it where he wanted to get it, they didn’t miss it.”

O’Hoppe went four for four with a home run and two doubles. Nolan Schanuel extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games for the Angels.

Injury updates

Angels: Outfielder Jordyn Adams was out of the lineup for a second straight game because of right knee soreness.

Astros: Right-hander Tayler Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a thoracic spine strain. … OF Chas McCormick, on the injured list since Sept. 11 with a fractured right hand, was able to grip a bat before the game and is getting closer to taking swings.