Astros lose a back and forth game to the Rangers
Astros daily report: Rangers 6, Astros 4
The Astros faced the Rangers for game two of three on Tuesday night. Here's a quick recap:
Final Score: Rangers 6, Astros 4
Record: 2-4, fourth in the AL West.
Winning pitcher: Shawn Kelley (2-0).
Losing pitcher: Framber Valdez (0-1).
Star of the game: Carlos Correa looked as healthy as ever in this game, providing some bright spots in the disappointing loss. Correa saved a run in the top of the first, laying out for a ball and throwing it to first just in time for the third out. He also worked a walk at the plate along with a big RBI-double which at the time tied the game.
Notes: George Springer helped Houston get ahead early for the second straight night, starting the game with a single before moving to second on a walk, stealing third, then scoring on an RBI groundout by Michael Brantley. Springer would strike again with a sacrifice fly in the top of the second, extending the lead to 2-0. The Rangers took advantage of Justin Verlander missing his spots in the bottom of the second, tying the game on a two-run home run. After getting two on with no outs in the top of the fifth, Tony Kemp would convert one run with an RBI-groundout to give the Astros the lead back at 3-2. After a strong fourth inning, Verlander got roughed up again in the bottom of the fifth, giving up two runs on three hits and a hit batter all before getting an out in the inning, prompting the end of his night, leaving the game with his team down 4-3. Will Harris came out of the bullpen and did a great job to get out of the mess he inherited, keeping it a one-run game. Carlos Correa came through to tie the game with an RBI-double in the next inning, but the Rangers would go back in front off of Framber Valdez with a two-RBI single in the bottom of the seventh. The 6-4 score would go final to even the series.
Up next: Houston will play the rubber match to try and win the series tomorrow night with another 7:05 PM first pitch. Gerrit Cole will be on the mound for Houston and will try to even his record at 1-1 with a win, while Mike Minor will try to do the same on the bump for the Rangers.
