Adolis García Strikes Again As Rangers Top Astros, 6-2
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers continued their streak of improved play, defeating the Houston Astros on Monday by a score of 6-2. After starting the season 2-9, Texas has won four of its last five games, improving to 6-10.
The Rangers twice battled back from down a one-run deficit. Houston's Yordan Alvarez hit a solo home run off Rangers starter Dane Dunning in the second inning to break the scoreless tie. Texas answered in the bottom half of the frame, tying the game at 1-1 on an RBI groundout by Charlie Culberson.
Houston regained the lead in the sixth inning, courtesy of a pop up off the bat of Kyle Tucker that landed for a base hit. Left fielder Nick Solak tried to run it down, but stumbled right before getting to the ball and was unable to haul it in cleanly.
In the seventh inning, the Rangers battled back again. Willie Calhoun led off the frame pinch hitting for Andy Ibáñez and slashed a liner into the right field corner for a double, then moved to third base on a flyout by Kole Calhoun. Marcus Semien came through with a game-tying RBI single, which was followed by another single by Adolis García, putting runners on the corners with one out. Corey Seager then stepped up and gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead with a third straight single.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Rangers pulled away in the eighth inning when Marcus Semien worked a hard-earned walk to load the bases for García, who had multiple hits in the clutch against Houston last year. Once again, 'El Bombi' came through. This time, it was a bases-clearing double, giving Texas a 6-2 lead.
Dunning continued a solid run of Rangers pitching performances, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. Dunning nearly got out of the sixth, but reached his pitch count in the at-bat prior to Tucker's RBI single in the sixth.
The bullpen once again finished the job. Matt Moore, Matt Bush and Joe Barlow locked down the final three innings, keeping Houston off the board.
What's Next?
The Rangers and Astros continue their four-game series at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night. Texas southpaw Taylor Hearn (0-1, 7.59 ERA) is scheduled to face Houston right-hander Jake Odorizzi (0-2, 9.00 ERA).
