Astros beat Dodgers in series-opener at Minute Maid Park

The Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in their series-opener Friday night at Minute Maid Park.

Framber Valdez led the way for Houston by striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings as the Astros blanked the Dodgers 5-0.

Alex Bregman and Jon Singleton both him home runs for Houston. Rookie Joey Loperfido had an RBI single and also continued his exceptional defense in the outfield with a leaping grab to rob Shohei Ohtani of extra bases in the third inning.

Dodgers starter Gavin Stone gave up four runs on nine hits in six innings, but the Astros did not need much given their own pitching.

Ronel Blanco (9-5, 2.75 ERA) takes the mound for Houston on Saturday with Justin Wrobleski (1-0, 4.40 ERA) pitching for the Dodgers.

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