HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The 2025 Houston Astros season is officially underway, and fans are buzzing with excitement as they welcome a new era at Daikin Park. The Astros kicked off their season with a home series against the New York Mets on Thursday, March 27, 2025, marking a significant moment for the franchise and its supporters.
Opening Day is always a special occasion, and this year was no exception. The Astros hosted their Opening Day Street Fest outside Daikin Park, which began at noon, allowing fans to soak in the atmosphere before the first pitch. However, to join in on the festivities inside the park, fans needed a game ticket.
As the Astros took the field, the team looked notably different from the previous season. Longtime second baseman Jose Altuve has made a position switch, now playing left field. The team also parted ways with key players Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker during the offseason. In a trade involving Tucker, the Astros acquired 22-year-old rookie Cam Smith, who made his debut in right field. This transition has fans eager to see how the new lineup will perform.
Pregame ceremonies honored the 25th anniversary of Daikin Park, with Astros legend Larry Dierker, who managed the team when they moved to the ballpark in 2000, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The event also featured the unveiling of a new train, now branded as the Philips 66 train, which adds a fresh touch to the park's atmosphere.
Street closures were in effect around Daikin Park, including along Texas Avenue, Crawford, Congress, Hamilton, and Preston, as well as parts of Avenidas de Las Americas post-game, to accommodate the influx of fans.
As the game commenced, Framber Valdez took the mound for the Astros. He faced a challenging first inning against the Mets, starting with Francisco Lindor, who made solid contact but was snagged by shortstop Jeremy Pena for the first out. Valdez then allowed a single to Juan Soto and walked Pete Alonso, but managed to escape the inning without conceding a run. The score remained 0-0 as the Astros came to bat.
In the bottom of the first, Altuve struck out swinging against Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, and Isaac Paredes followed with a lined-out to left field. Yordan Alvarez drew a walk, but the inning ended without any runs for Houston.
The second inning saw the Mets get on the board early. Starling Marte reached base after being hit by a pitch, but Valdez quickly settled down, forcing a groundout from Luis Torrens to end the inning. In the bottom half, Houston's offense finally broke through. Jeremy Pena was hit by a pitch, and rookie Cam Smith made a splash with his first MLB hit, a single that advanced Pena to third base. The bases were loaded when Jake Meyers grounded out to short, allowing Pena to score the first run of the season, putting the Astros ahead 1-0.
As the game progressed into the third inning, Valdez continued to show his prowess on the mound, striking out Lindor for his first strikeout of the season. The Astros added to their lead when Yainer Diaz hit a single that brought Paredes home, followed by a fielding error from Acuna that allowed Walker to score. By the end of the third inning, the Astros had extended their lead to 3-0.
The Astros' batting order for the game featured Altuve leading off, followed by Paredes, Alvarez, Christian Walker, Diaz, Pena, Smith, Brendan Rodgers, and Meyers. This lineup reflects a strategic shift, particularly with Paredes batting second, a position usually reserved for the team's best hitters. Walker, who has hit 95 home runs over the past three seasons, was placed in the cleanup spot, showcasing the Astros' confidence in their new acquisitions.
Meanwhile, the Mets were making headlines of their own. This season marks the debut of Juan Soto in a Mets uniform after signing a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in MLB history. The Mets, with a win total projection of 90.5, are considered strong contenders in the National League, with the second-shortest odds to win the league and hopes of capturing their first World Series title in 39 years.
As the game continued, fans were treated to a thrilling display of baseball, with the Astros showcasing their new talent and the Mets looking to capitalize on their recent acquisitions. The excitement was palpable as fans witnessed the dawn of a new season, filled with promise and anticipation.
With the Astros leading 3-0 after three innings, the atmosphere at Daikin Park was electric, with fans rallying behind their team. The game is still ongoing, and with several innings left to play, both teams are eager to make their mark early in the season.
As the series continues through Saturday, March 29, 2025, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and the unveiling of the new dynamics within both teams. Whether it’s the Astros' revamped roster or the Mets' high-profile signings, this season promises to be one for the books.
