Big first inning gives 'Stros opening win in doubleheader

In the first half of their Tuesday doubleheader, the Astros continued a trend that had been occurring since the series in San Diego -- scoring big in the early innings.

Houston would ride that habit in game one of the today's two-gamer, scoring five runs in the first inning en route to a 6-3 victory that featured a solid mix of good pitching and hitting through seven innings.

The Astros were quick to pounce on Angels' starter José Suarez, who entered today's game with an ERA of 33.75. Three consecutive singles by José Altuve, Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel gave Houston a 2-0 lead, which was due in large part to a throwing error from Suarez trying to get Gurriel out at first base.

Two more singles courtesy of Josh Reddick and Jack Mayfield pushed the lead to 5-0 after one.

Cristian Javier managed to rebound after his worst start of the season in Colorado. The young righty was hitless through the first four innings, allowing only one baserunner via the walk during that span, collecting four strikeouts in the process.

The Angels tagged him with two runs in the fifth inning and another in the sixth, but Yuli Gurriel's prior double in the bottom of the fourth inning ensured Javier a three-run lead after his departure with two outs in the sixth. His final line was 5.2 IP, three hits, three earned runs, two walks, and five strikeouts.

Blake Taylor would get the sole remaining out in the sixth inning, and Ryan Pressly would collect the final three outs to earn the save for Houston. Javier would secure his third win of the season, and the Astros would officially reach the midway point of their season with a record of 17-13.

The second game of the doubleheader is set for 6:20 PM CT. Brandon Bielak gets the nod against Julio Teheran.