Astros Rally to Beat Giants in Series Opener

The Houston Astros rallied from a late deficit to beat the San Francisco Giants 6-3 in the series opener at Oracle Park, with Cam Smith delivering a game-tying ninth-inning hit and Isaac Paredes driving in two runs in the 10th. The win trims Houston’s deficit in the AL West behind a narrow edge over the Rangers and sets up Tuesday’s rematch against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, who will face Astros ace Hunter Brown. In the 10th, Jung Hoo Lee hit a go-ahead homer and Smith tied the game in the seventh, underscoring Houston’s bullpen resilience. Wesneski, returning from elbow surgery, delivered seven innings for the Giants, while Houston’s offense finally found lift via timely hitting from Smith and Paredes. The article notes Houston’s position atop the AL West despite a middling record, with Yordan Álvarez’s continued productive performance contributing to the outlook for the pennant race.