Preview: Angels at Astros, Thursday, March 26, 2026

HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros will open their 2026 seasons under the lights at Daikin Park on Thursday afternoon, with both clubs looking to set an early tone in the American League West.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CDT under partly cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 82 degrees.

The Angels will hand the ball to right-hander José Soriano. The Astros counter with right-hander Hunter Brown. Official season records for the pitchers were not immediately available, as the game marks the start of the new campaign.

This opener serves as a immediate rematch of last season’s finale, a 6-2 Astros victory in Anaheim on Sept. 28, 2025. Both teams enter with identical 0-0 records.

The series begins a season-opening, 10-game road trip for the Angels, who will stay in Houston for a four-game set before traveling to face the Chicago Cubs. The Astros, after hosting the Angels and then the Boston Red Sox, will embark on a seven-game West Coast trip.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Thursday’s contest is projected to be a tight, low-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of 2-1 in favor of the Angels.

The matchup highlights a division that has been dominated by Houston in recent years. The Angels, seeking a return to postseason contention, will need strong performances from their rotation, beginning with Soriano, to challenge the perennial contenders.

For the Astros, beginning at home provides a familiar advantage as they integrate any offseason changes and aim for another deep playoff run. Brown’s start will be the first step in a 162-game journey.

Following Thursday’s game, the teams will meet again Friday, Saturday and Sunday to complete the opening series.