Angels rally in eighth to sweep Astros

Just like they did all series, the Angels’ bats came up in the clutch, as they defeated the Astros 9-5 on Sunday to complete the four-game sweep.

The game was tied as they entered the bottom of the eighth. Jo Adell and Max Stassi began the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners on the corners with no outs. Jared Walsh then singled in Adell, putting the Angels up one.

The rally continued, as Taylor Ward and Luis Rengifo both walked against Chris Devenski. After getting an out, Justin Upton stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and one out. Having hit nearly .500 over the last week, Upton was hitless entering the at bat. That changed, as with two strikes he singled to left, bringing in two more runs to give the Angels the 9-5 lead.

Jamie Barria got the start for LA and went five innings. He struck out six and allowed three runs, along with two homers. The bullpen shut things down the rest of the way, aside from Felix Peña, who allowed two runs and failed to even record an out in the seventh inning.

In regards to Framber Valdez for Houston, well.... this is a stat line you sure don’t see every day.

Anthony Rendon continued his hot streak earlier in the game, as he hit a two-run shot for his eighth home run of the season in the third.

With 18 games to play, the Angels are five games back of the eighth and final playoff spot. Do you think they have a chance of catching fire and sneaking into the postseason?

Sunday particulars

WP: Mike Mayers (1-0) 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 SO

LP: Framber Valdez (3-3) 7 IP, 8 ER, 2 SO

Home runs: Anthony Rendon (8), Kyle Tucker (8), Aledmys Díaz (2), Carlos Correa (4)

Box score

Up next

After sweeping this four-game series against the Astros, the Angels will travel to Texas where they’ll take on the Rangers for three. The first game is Tuesday night at 5:05 p.m. PT. Andrew Heaney (3-2, 3.89 ERA) gets the start for the Angels.