Astros 6, Rangers 2
ARLINGTON, Texas, April 25 — It was a pitcher’s duel in Arlington on Monday evening. After returning home from a six-game road trip in which they went 3–3, the Texas Rangers faced the Houston Astros on this chilly night at Globe Life Field. It was the first game in a set of four. The Rangers won on this night by a final score of 6–2 . This was a great win for the Rangers. Their record now sits at 6–10 on the year. The series will continue on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM Central. Right-hander Jake Odorizzi will start for the Astros. On the other side, lefty Taylor Hearn will toe the slab for the Rangers.
Much Needed Offense
In the top of the second inning, the Astros used their clean-up hitter to get on the board first. Yordan Alvarez hit a solo home run to right center field. The blast put the Astros on top 1–0. This home run came off of the Rangers’ starter Dane Dunning. The Rangers answered right back by tying it in the bottom of the second inning. Charlie Culberson grounded out. It allowed Nick Solak to score.
The score would remain tied until the top of the sixth inning. Houston made it 2–1 on an RBI single by Kyle Tucker. This base hit brought in Yuli Gurriel. Texas would make things interesting once again in the bottom of the seventh. Marcus Semien drove in Willie Calhoun with an RBI single to left field. The Rangers promptly took a 3–2 lead moments later.
Corey Seager lined a single to right field, bringing in Semien from third base. Fast-forward to the bottom of the eighth inning. Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia made it 6–2 with a three-run double. Nathaniel Lowe, Calhoun, and Semien all scored on this extra base hit. It lead to a much-needed win for the Rangers.
Pitching Notes
As mentioned earlier, Dane Dunning got the ball for the Rangers on Monday. The outing was easily his best start of the 2022 season thus far. He pitched five and two-third innings. Dunning gave up two earned runs on five hits. He also gave up the home run to Alvarez in the second inning. The righty walked one, and struck out five in a very nice effort.
The Rangers would also use John King, Matt Moore, Matt Bush, and Joe Barlow out of the bullpen. Between the three of them, they did not allow a single run in a very strong performance from the Rangers’ relief corps.
Meanwhile, Framber Valdez started for the Astros. He pitched six innings in this one. Valdez gave up only one earned run on four hits. He walked two, struck out five, and didn’t allow any home runs. Their bullpen would take over in the bottom of the seventh inning. The pen would allow five of the Rangers’ six runs. Matt Moore got the win. He is now 1–0 on the year. Phil Maton got the losing decision for the Astros. He is now 0–1 on the season. Furthermore. there was no save.
Main Photo:
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Players Mentioned:
Jake Odorizzi, Taylor Hearn, Yordan Alvarez, Dane Dunning, Charlie Culberson, Nick Solak, Kyle Tucker, Yuli Gurriel, Marcus Semien, Willie Calhoun, Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Nathaniel Lowe, John King, Matt Moore, Matt Bush, Joe Barlow, Framber Valdez, Matt Moore, Phil Maton
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