Kikuchi (9-9) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over seven innings in a 5-3 victory over the Angels. He struck out six.
The lefty is now 5-0 over eight starts with the Astros with a 3.19 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 59:12 K:BB through 48 innings, and he's proven to be one of the most astute acquisitions any team made at this year's trade deadline. Kikuchi's quality start Friday was his 10th of the season, and he'll look to stay locked in when he gets a rematch with the Angels back in Houston next week.