Are Texas Rangers Closing Gap After Statement Series Against Astros?

Sunday night did not come with the expected outcome the Houston Astros (7-9) thought they would receive with ace Framber Valdez on the mound against Texas Rangers (9-6) fifth starter Andrew Heaney.

Instead of a definitive Astros victory, the Rangers routed Houston in a 9-1 blowout.

The first six innings moved along quickly in what was a textbook pitcher's duel. Valdez went scoreless in his first six innings pitched, while Heaney pitched five scoreless and was pulled at 88 pitches.

But things unraveled for Houston in the seventh inning.

Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe reached base on a leadoff double to right field. Right fielder Adolis Garcia reached first on a rare error from Jeremy Peña. Third baseman Josh Jung singled to load the bases.

Texas got their first run when Valdez walked Heim with the bases loaded forcing in a run to make it 1-0.

Designated hitter Robbie Grossman notched a RBI-single to left field to score Garcia from third.

That was the end of Valdez's night, putting five men on without recording an out in the seventh, walking in a run and giving up an RBI-single.

Hector Neris came on in relief, and after recording two outs, gave up an 0-2 grand slam to second baseman Marcus Semien.

6-0.

From there, the Astros were able to muster just one run, which came off of a bases-loaded walk from Alex Bregman.

Texas would go on to score three more runs to help seal the blowout loss.

Houston dropped the series to the Rangers, a series that saw both teams exchange offensive blows every single night.

But it begs the question: Is Texas closing the gap on the Astros?

It's early in the season and Houston is missing plenty of impact pieces, namely second baseman Jose Altuve. Michael Brantley, Chas McCormick and starter Lance McCullers Jr. are also out with injury.

But still, the Rangers already had a solid offense and now they have revamped their rotation to rival any in the American League.

Texas proved, that if anything, they can hang with the reigning World Series, at Minute Maid Park, in a three-game series.

There just might be some competition in the West again.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

You can find Kade Kistner on Twitter @KadeKistner.