HOUSTON — The Astros and their spiffy new uniforms looked like a perfect fit in the American League.
Rick Ankiel and the Astros made an impressive debut in the AL, trouncing the Rangers 8-2 last night in the major league opener and giving Bo Porter a win in his first game as manager.
“To come out with a win is perfect,” Astros designated hitter Carlos Pena said. “To be part of it is really cool. To play our rivals here in Texas and to come out on top today, it’s a treat.”
Ankiel launched a pinch-hit three-run shot for the majors’ first homer this season, Bud Norris pitched well for the win and Erik Bedard threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings for his first career save.
Having switched from the National League to the AL in the offseason, the Astros earned their first Opening Day victory since 2006 and the 4,000th regular-season win in franchise history.
The Astros are coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons and has the lowest payroll in the majors, prompting many to predict they will be the worst team in the majors. But Houston opened in style wearing uniforms that brought back the orange and blue of old-school Astros teams.
After the game, rapper Drake’s rags-to-riches hit “Started from the Bottom” played on a loop in the clubhouse. Houston, which has finished last in the majors each of the last two seasons, decided the song would be its postgame music after wins this season.
Justin Maxwell added a pair of triples and made a nifty catch in center field.
Norris (1-0) allowed five hits and two runs with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. He was one of five Astros making their first opening day start on baseball’s second-youngest team..