Astros on successful home opener: 'Opening up the homestand victorious!'

After a month of playing away from Minute Maid Park going back to when spring training began, the Houston Astros returned home and treated the visiting Los Angeles Angels to an 8-3 thumping on Monday night (April 18).

"Opening up the homestand victorious!" the Astros' official Twitter account proclaimed postgame.

Starting pitcher Luis Garcia, the runner-up in the 2021 American League (AL) Rookie of the Year balloting, showed no signs of a sophomore slump as he fanned seven Angels batters through 5.2 innings. For his efforts, he was awarded his first win of the season.

Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez returned from undergoing health and safety protocols to deliver two home runs on what was his bobblehead night.

His first HR occurred in the bottom of the first inning after left fielder Michael Brantley swatted a single. 

Alvarez then smashed another two-shot HR in the seventh, essentially putting the game out of reach in Houston's favor.

The Astros' website reported that the 24-year-old slugger also logged four RBI.

According to manager Dusty Baker, Alvarez is a difference maker.

“He’s right in the middle," Baker said on the website. "He usually has somebody on base and when he hits them, usually there’s a no-doubter. We didn’t know if he got the second one or not because he hit that ball a little bit behind him, versus out in front. It just shows you how strong he is.”

The Astros experienced a troubling moment in the eighth when second baseman Jose Altuve sustained an injury running toward first base, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported.

According to KHOU, the team's elder statesman fell to the ground and remained there wincing in pain until he was assisted by Baker, first base coach Omar Lopez and the team's training staff back to the dugout. 

Baker said in a postgame press conference that Altuve suffered a left hamstring strain, the station reported. No timetable is reportedly set as to when he'll return.

The victory marks the Astros' 10th consecutive time they won a home opener. Houston won its 10th straight season opener – also at the Angels' expense – almost two weeks ago.

The homestand continues tonight at 7:10 p.m.