Sat Sep 14 04:15:56 UTC 2024: ## Astros Clinch 5,000th Victory, Kikuchi Shines in Win Over Angels
**ANAHEIM, Calif.** – The Houston Astros celebrated their 5,000th franchise win on Friday night, defeating the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 behind another strong outing from newly acquired pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.
Kikuchi, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade deadline deal, continued his impressive run in an Astros uniform, pitching seven innings of three-hit ball. The left-hander struck out six batters while keeping the Angels scoreless for the majority of the game.
“I heard a lot of what fans had to say about the trade,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “But I think our GM made an awesome decision. I just wanted to prove to everybody what I’m capable of.”
The Astros got early offensive support with a two-run homer from Alex Bregman in the second inning. Yordan Alvarez added his 33rd homer of the season in the ninth inning, giving him five home runs in September.
“He’s been really good,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Kikuchi. “We knew that it was in there. I’m just glad that he’s been receptive and been able to be open about the adjustments we wanted him to make.”
The Angels struggled offensively against Kikuchi and the Astros bullpen. Rookie starter Jack Kochanowicz gave up four runs in 5-2/3 innings for the Angels, who have now lost five of their last six games.
The Astros, who are rolling toward another AL West title, are now 8-0 in games started by Kikuchi.
“It just feels like he’s been here for many, many years,” Espada said. “I hope he just keeps going.”
Josh Hader pitched the ninth inning for his 30th save, solidifying the Astros’ milestone victory.
The Astros will look to continue their winning ways Saturday, as they send veteran Justin Verlander to the mound against Angels All-Star Tyler Anderson.
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