HOUSTON – Kent Emanuel worked 8 2/3 innings in relief in his major league debut, saving Houston's bullpen after Jake Odorizzi left early with an injury, and the Astros pounded the Los Angeles Angels 16-2 on Saturday.
Emanuel (1-0) allowed five hits and two runs. The 28-year-old, who spent seven years in the minors before getting an opportunity with Houston this season, became the fourth pitcher in the modern era to have a relief outing of 8 2/3 innings or more in his debut, according to STATS, joining Fred Smith (1907), Maury Kent (1912) and John Montefusco (1974).
Alex Bregman hit a three-run homer, Yordan Alvarez had a season-high four RBIs, Carlos Correa had three hits including a homer and Michael Brantley doubled three times for