2013 – Houston wins its first game as an American League team, overpowering cross-state rivals Texas, 8 – 2, in the opening game of the season. Justin Maxwell hits a pair of triples, only the sixth player to do so on Opening Day, and Rick Ankiel pinch-hits a three-run homer in the 6th. Bud Norris is the winner and Erik Bedard records his first career save with 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. This will be a rare highlight in a season in which the Astros set a franchise record for losses for the third straight year.
On March 31, 2013 — 2013 – Houston wins its first game as an American League team, overpowering cross-state rivals Texas, 8 – 2, in the opening game of the season. Justin Maxwell hits a pair of triples, only the sixth player to do so on Opening Day, and Rick Ankiel pinch-hits a three-run homer in the 6th. Bud Norris is the winner and Erik Bedard records his first career save with 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. This will be a rare highlight in a season in which the Astros set a franchise record for losses for the third straight year.
Sources –
Baseball Reference March 31
SABR Games Project
National Pastime March 31
Retro Sheet
Replay The Game