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Angels break into win column, clobber Astros

Apr 5, 2014 - 5:59 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Josh Hamilton went 3-for-3 with a three-run homer as the LA Angels of Anaheim opened a four-game set against the Houston Astros with an 11-1 win.

Kole Calhoun clubbed a two-run home run and Mike Trout added a solo shot and two RBI for the Angels, who got their first win as the team was swept by the Mariners in their season-opening series. Garrett Richards (1-0) went five innings and gave up a run on three hits with five walks and seven strikeouts.

Jose Altuve had two hits and an RBI for the Astros, who took two of three from the Yankees to open the season.

Lucas Harrell (0-1) was torched for five runs on seven hits and three walks in just three innings. Reliever Jerome Williams was pounded for seven hits and six runs in 3 2/3 frames.

"I guess you could say the best thing that comes out of it is that it's only one game," said Houston manager Bo Porter.

The Angels got a home run from Trout in the first inning and Trout worked a bases-loaded walk in the second for a 2-0 lead.

Los Angeles continued to score in the third, as consecutive RBI doubles from Howie Kendrick and Chris Iannetta preceded a sacrifice fly from Erick Aybar for a 5-0 lead.

Houston got on the board in the fifth as Altuve drew a walk with the bags loaded, but the Angels got a three-run home run to right from Hamilton in the sixth for an 8-1 advantage.

"I ended the season last year feeling pretty good, but not like I feel now," said Hamilton. "The biggest thing for me is staying calm, understanding I have enough time. I don't have to rush anything."

In the seventh, Aybar hit an RBI single and Calhoun followed with his first homer of the season for an 11-1 advantage.

Game Notes

Houston edged LA in the season series last year, 10-9 ... Dallas Keuchel pitches for Houston on Saturday, while Tyler Skaggs will take the hill for the Angels ... Houston stranded 12 men on base as the team went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.