Astros Still Chasing First-Place Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas – If Bruce Bochy had his way, the Houston Astros wouldn’t be nipping at the Texas Rangers’ heels.

But the Rangers skipper didn’t expect anything different.

“Shows how good they are,” Bochy said Sunday before the 12-3 rout over the Seattle Mariners in the series finale. “There was never any doubt in our minds how good this division is, how good they are. You think you’re good, you can be right there, too.”

Texas (38-20) leads the American League West by 3.5 games over the defending World Series champs. Despite the Rangers being off to the best start in franchise history, Houston (35-24) is refusing to yield much ground in the competitive division.

Bochy was asked if having the Astros so close in the rearview mirror could be a good thing.

“Well, if you’re asking me my preference,” he said with a smile.

Bochy praised the Houston’s pitching and offense, so being in such a tight race comes as no shock.

“They are the world champions,” he said. “So that’s not surprising. That’s where we’re at right now.”

The Rangers and Astros won’t meet again until June 30 for the start of a four-game series in Arlington. Texas took two of three against their instate rivals in Houston back in April.

Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe recently said the AL West is “ours to lose.” In anything, the Rangers and Astros figure to be in the postseason race throughout the summer.

The Rangers open a three-game series Monday night against the St. Louis Cardinals with Martín Pérez (6-1, 4.43) on the mound. The Redbirds counter with Adam Wainwright (2-1, 6.15) for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Globe Life Field.

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