Updated

HOUSTON (AP) Mike Trout and Albert Pujols hit back-to-back homers in the first inning and the Los Angeles Angels held on for an important 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

The victory moves the Angels 2 1-2 games behind Houston for the second American League wild-card spot.

There was one on in the first when Trout launched his 40th homer into left-center to make it 2-0. The 36th home run this season by Pujols extended the lead to 3-0.

Houston cut the lead to 1 when Marwin Gonzalez and Chris Carter hit consecutive solo shots in the second inning.

The Angels added an insurance run on an RBI single by Kole Calhoun in the eighth to help them snap a six-game losing streak in Houston.

Hector Santiago (9-9) allowed four hits and two runs in five-plus innings.