The Texas Rangers scored seven runs while the Houston Astros scored three runs.
Two first inning runs, a 3-0 lead into the sixth inning, and Cal Quantrill of all people cruising through six strong innings. All of those positives made it seem like the Rangers were in for an easy evening. Nothing is coming easy but the Rangers are earning victories nonetheless.
Right now, reliable leverage arms are running thin for Texas and with Houston starter Hunter Brown keeping the score close, the Astros evened the game immediately after Quantrill exited. Chris Martin was once again called upon to try to show that he hasn’t aged himself out of being a trusted member of the bullpen. It went basically the same as every other appearance has gone for him this season.
Like last night, the Rangers were in danger of blowing it against a team below them in the American League West standings. Instead, they again turned to the weapon they’ve been missing for chunks of this season with Wyatt Langford coming through with a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to give Texas a 4-3 lead.
Three batters later, it was 7-3 as Jake Burger hit a three-run blast to allow us to not have to sweat whomever would pitch the ninth with Jacob Latz unavailable.
That pitcher would be Tyler Alexander and his scoreless ninth finished off the series-opening win for Texas as they climb back into the hunt for the Silver Boot.
Player of the Game: While Langford’s eventual winner was cathartic, and Burger’s blast was a relief, the Rangers likely don’t make it to that point without Quantrill providing six innings of one-run ball to out-duel Brown.
With Jack Leiter on the shelf, the Rangers needed someone to step up and, after ramping up over his last few appearances, Quantrill is now fully making starts that are providing length and quality. In his four outings since joining the rotation, Quantrill has allowed four runs in 17 innings.
Up Next: The Rangers and Astros are back at it tomorrow with RHP Kumar Rocker set to make his final start of the first half for Texas opposite RHP Peter Lambert for Houston.
The Saturday evening first pitch from The Shed is scheduled for 6:05 pm CDT and you can catch it on the Rangers Sports Network.
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