Sat Sep 14 07:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Astros Win 5,000th Game with Kikuchi’s Strong Performance

**ANAHEIM, Calif. –** The Houston Astros celebrated their 5,000th victory in franchise history with a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. The win was fueled by a dominant pitching performance from Yusei Kikuchi, who earned his fifth win in an Astros uniform.

Kikuchi, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline, allowed only three hits in seven innings while striking out six Angels batters. He has been a major factor in the Astros’ recent success, boasting a 5-0 record since joining the team.

“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 scored early and often, with two runs in the second inning and three more in the third. Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer in the third, and Yordan Alvarez added a solo shot in the ninth, his 33rd of the season.

The Angels, meanwhile, struggled to generate offense against Kikuchi and the Astros’ bullpen. Rookie pitcher Samuel Aldegheri had a rough outing, failing to complete the third inning.

The victory extends the Astros’ winning streak to two games, and they continue to dominate the AL West standings. Houston’s next game is against the Angels on Saturday with Justin Verlander taking the mound for the Astros.

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