Photo credit, MLB Wallpaper/Judi Yarnall
The Astros walked onto Globe Life Field looking to exit better than it entered. It did so by taking three out of four games from the Texas Rangers.
Dusty Baker mentioned, “We got what we wanted, three of four. We also would have been good with all four.”
Houston won game one, 5-3, lost game two, 5-2, and bounced back, winning game three and four by a combined score, 17-14.
Though Houston held a 10-2 lead late in game four, the Rangers scored nine unanswered runs to grab the advantage, 11-10 entering the top of the ninth inning. The Astros responded with two RBI doubles by Jose Abreu and Chase McCormick to retake the lead, 12-11 and never looked back.
That allowed Houston to draw within three games of the AL West division-leading Rangers. Texas held a five game lead over the second spot Astros entering the four-game series. However, Ranger fans expected more from a team who have held the top spot all but one day this season.
Even after the pitching production has dropped, the offense has been unpredictable while injuries have taken its toll. Still, the backup players have stepped up, solidifying the Astros as a force to be reckoned with.
The injury bug has reared its head in the Astros organization—a few things to consider in its drop-off. Justin Verlander signed a two-year $86 million contract with the Mets.
Lance McCullers, Jr. (forearm) is out, Jose Urquidy (shoulder), Michael Brantley (shoulder) and Yordan Alvarez (oblique). Luis Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery and Will Wagner underwent surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his right hand. Altuve has only played in 29 games this season because of an early season oblique injury. Yet the Astros continue to compete.
Both teams respect the talent of what each team poses. It’s no fluke to what the Rangers have accomplished this season. At different times during the season, it had four guys batting over .300 and several others over .280. Its pitching has strengthened with the addition of arms like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray, and Martin Perez.
Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray, and Martin Perez.
Ranger fans have many reasons to fill the stands, as all four games sold out. Despite home-field advantage, Houston fans showed its support as well.
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