Jeremy Peña's clutch RBI double led the Astros to an 8-7 victory over the Angels on June 22, 2025, securing a series win despite major injuries. Read how!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a microcosm of their season, the Houston Astros clawed their way to an 8-7 victory over the Angels, proving once again that grit and depth can win ballgames. Securing the series win at Angel Stadium, the Astros rode a massive four-run sixth inning and a nail-biting bullpen performance to improve to 45-33, showing their mettle even with a M*A*S*H unit's worth of talent on the IL.
Jeremy Peña continued his breakout season with a crucial RBI double in the sixth inning, driving in Luis Guillorme and sparking a four-run frame for Houston.
The game turned on a dime in the top of the sixth. With the offense needing a spark, Jeremy Peña delivered in the clutch yet again. His RBI double drove in Luis Guillorme and opened the floodgates for a four-run frame that put the Astros in command. Jake Meyers added a sacrifice fly, and by the time the dust settled, Houston had a lead they would desperately need. Peña's 2-for-4 day, with two runs and two RBIs, was the offensive engine in a game decided by the slimmest of margins.
This victory was made all the more impressive by who *wasn't* on the field. The Astros continue to navigate a brutal stretch of injuries, with Yordan Alvarez (hand), Lance McCullers (foot), and Chas McCormick (oblique) headlining a long list of sidelined stars. Add in recent IL stints for Jacob Melton, Brendan Rodgers, and Ronel Blanco, and it's clear manager Joe Espada is managing a patchwork roster. Wins like these are a testament to the team's 'next man up' philosophy.
As the Angels mounted a late-game rally, all eyes turned to the Astros' biggest strength: the bullpen. While it wasn't a clean finish, the relief corps did just enough to slam the door. This has become the norm for Houston. Led by the dominant Josh Hader, the bullpen remains a formidable weapon, giving Espada confidence to hand over the ball in high-leverage situations. Their ability to secure one-run wins is a key reason the Astros remain firm contenders in the American League.
While the team celebrates a hard-fought series win, the front office faces a significant challenge. The mounting injuries highlight potential needs ahead of the trade deadline, but years of 'win-now' moves have left the farm system thin. With only four prospects ranked in the top 200, the Astros lack the high-end trade chips of past seasons. Finding impactful reinforcements without mortgaging what little is left of the future will be the ultimate test for the organization in the coming weeks.
The Astros leave Anaheim with a gutsy series win, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. They've proven they can win with the current group, but the twin pressures of a grueling season and a looming trade deadline will define their championship aspirations. As the calendar flips towards July, the front office's creativity will be just as important as the players' performance on the field.
