HOUSTON -- It was just the first game of the season, but veteran Mike Trout proved he’s still among the game’s superstars and right-hander José Soriano showed why he’s on his way to becoming a star himself.
Trout went 1-for-2 with a solo homer, three walks and a stolen base to become the first Angels player to reach base safely four times on Opening Day since Darin Erstad in 2000, while Soriano struck out seven over six scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over the Astros on Thursday afternoon at Daikin Park.
“I felt like myself again out there,” Trout said. “Just being in center and stealing bags. It was a fun win. It’s huge. They’ve got a great team over there. It was a complete win for us.”
It gave Kurt Suzuki the victory in his managerial debut and was just the club's second win over its last 13 openers, as the Halos hadn't won an Opening Day game on the road since April 1, 2013, at Cincinnati. Angels players, led by Trout, treated Suzuki to a celebratory beer shower after the game.
“It's a good feeling,” said Suzuki, who became the first Hawaii native to manage a big league game. “Just all the work that each and every one of us put in in Spring Training leading up to this moment. Obviously, it's just Game 1, but still a special moment. You never forget that first one.”
Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, made history by becoming the first player in franchise history to start in 14 Opening Days and play in at least 16 seasons with the club. And the 34-year-old showed he still has plenty in the tank. In addition to reaching base safely four times, Trout returned to center field for the first time since April 29, 2024, as he’s back at his natural position after a move to right field in ‘25.
Trout looked like his old self in the victory, which shocked nobody in the clubhouse, especially now that Trout is healthy after dealing with knee issues in recent seasons.
“It's Mike Trout,” catcher Logan O’Hoppe said. “No one is surprised in here. We’re glad we got him on our side. That’s for damn sure.”
Trout drew three walks against Astros right-hander Hunter Brown, who struck out nine but needed 102 pitches through just 4 2/3 innings. Trout also showed off his speed in the first, stealing second base easily. It was a good sign for Trout, who stole just two bases in 130 games in 2025 as he dealt with a bone bruise in his left knee sustained in late April. But Trout is running better now than at any point since he first tore his meniscus in his left knee in ‘24.
But Trout’s big blast came in the seventh off reliever AJ Blubaugh and it was a no-doubter over the train tracks in left field. Trout jumped all over a 96.2 mph fastball over the middle of the zone and smacked it a Statcast-projected 403 feet to left. It was Trout’s fifth career homer on Opening Day, which extended his club record, and ranks behind only Tyler O'Neill (six) and Bryce Harper (six) among active players.
“Just staying with the routine, staying with the plan,” Trout said. “The [hitting coaches] in the cage, we’ve been working hard on it and it’s paying off. I’m just staying with my approach, just get a pitch to hit and don’t miss it.”
It was enough for Soriano, who scattered just two hits and four walks (one intentional) in his first career Opening Day start to pick up the victory. He was clearly amped up for the start, as his four-seamer reached as high as 101.3 mph and he registered 19 swings and misses, including eight with his knuckle curve and seven with his sinker. The ground-ball specialist also induced eight outs on the ground compared to just one flyout.
Soriano became just the fifth Opening Day starter in Angels history to throw at least six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts (Shohei Ohtani (2023), Jered Weaver (2012), Frank Tanana (1977-78) and Andy Messersmith (1970, '72). Soriano also helped the club to its eighth all-time Opening Day shutout and its first since April 6, 2012, against the Royals.
“I think all my pitches were working today and my command was there,” Soriano said. “But it means a lot. Any time I do something, it’s for the team. To be able to throw that [many] innings and help the team win, that’s the goal.”