{"id":802390,"date":"2026-05-17T07:38:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T07:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/802390\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T07:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T07:38:18","slug":"houston-astros-sut-down-texas-rangers-again-for-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/802390\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Astros sut down Texas Rangers again for win"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Yordan<\/p>\n

Yordan Alvarez celebrates with Astros teammate Braden Shewmake after his first-inning homer during Saturday’s win over the Rangers.<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Christian Walker, center, is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Christian Walker tosses his bat after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve throws to first base for an out during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers second baseman Justin Foscue throws to first bas for an out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom delivers during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Zach Cole is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) signs autographs before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom winds up to deliver during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve, left, celebrates with Yordan Alvarez, right, after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Kai-Wei Teng delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Braden Shewmake (28) and center fielder Brice Matthews, right, slap hands after a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros center fielder Brice Matthews makes a sliding catch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros’ Zach Cole (16) is congratulated by Zach Dezenzo, left, after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Kai-Wei Teng claps after getting out of a jam during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Cal Quantrill (44) plays football in the outfield before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) talks with his players before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Stephanie Mock Grubbs runs with outfielder Cam Smith before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Stephanie Mock Grubbs runs with outfielder Cam Smith before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Braden Shewmake (28) warms up before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Cody Bolton (67) throws a football in the outfield before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros catcher Christian V\u00e1zquez (2) laughs before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers assistant pitching coach Dave Bush, left, talks with pitcher Jack Leiter, right, before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers assistant pitching coach Dave Bush, left, talks with pitcher Jack Leiter, right, before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) warms up before a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) signs autographs before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Enyel de Los Santos (65) walks off the field before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros right fielder Zach Cole (16) signs autographs before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros center fielder Brice Matthews (0) looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros first base coach Dave Clark looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros third base coach Tony Perezchica looks on before a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Kevin M. Cox)<\/p>\n

Kevin M. Cox\/Associated Press<\/p>\n

Even in one of their tautest all-around games of the season, the Houston Astros<\/a> could not escape a new injury concern.<\/p>\n

The Astros slugged four home runs off Jacob deGrom and rode a combined effort from six pitchers to a 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on Saturday. The first home run came from Jose Altuve,\u00a0who later sustained a potential left side injury<\/a> on a swing and will undergo imaging Sunday.<\/p>\n

ASTROS INSIDER:<\/strong> Bryan Abreu improving after early struggles<\/a><\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

It marred a game marked otherwise by positive signs for a team trying to author a turnaround. The Astros are 19-28 after winning the first two games of this series against their intrastate rivals, just their third instance of back-to-back wins since the beginning of April.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s about stacking your wins,\u201d first baseman Christian Walker said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to keep our foot on the gas pedal and go out and score as many runs as we can. The pitchers have been good for us, so just trying to do our part offensively.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The Rangers entered Saturday averaging the majors\u2019 second-fewest runs per game. An Astros staff with the sport\u2019s highest ERA has held them to one run over this series\u2019 first 18 innings, which Texas has played without slugging shortstop Corey Seager, who is sidelined by back spasms.<\/p>\n

Houston still needed to contend Saturday with deGrom, one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, who entered with a 2.62 ERA this season. For only the second time in his 257 regular-season starts in the majors, deGrom surrendered four home runs.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

All four were against fastballs. Altuve and Yordan Alvarez struck solo home runs in the first inning. Walker and Zach Cole repeated the pattern in the fourth. DeGrom induced 17 whiffs in six innings but finished with four strikeouts and was denied his 100th\u00a0career win.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we had a good approach,\u201d Walker said. \u201cI think we did a good job of making him throw his fastball over the heart of the plate. I chased some sliders, but overall, I think we did a good job of spitting on the spin outside the zone. I think when we make pitchers stay in the strike zone to us, we have a chance to score runs, no matter who\u2019s out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kai-Wei Teng, in his third start of the season, gave the Astros five scoreless innings. Five relievers combined to finish the game. Bryan Abreu, the embattled erstwhile closer, recorded the last four outs, stranding two runners in the eighth inning and two in the ninth, to record his second save of the season.<\/p>\n

The Astros are 7-21 this season when scoring four or fewer runs. Five of their last six wins have come in that fashion, however, a potential sign of their pitching starting to stabilize.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t won (a series) in a while, but let\u2019s not get complacent just winning two games in this series,\u201d manager Joe Espada said. \u201cLet\u2019s go show up tomorrow and sweep these guys. That\u2019s how you build up a good winning streak going and get back in the race.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n\nTexas
\nAB
\nR
\nH
\nBI
\nBB
\nSO
\nAvg.
\n<\/tr>\n\nTotals<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n\nPederson dh<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.214<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nNimmo rf<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n.268<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nJung 3b<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.308<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nCarter cf<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.173<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\na-McCutchen ph-lf<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.224<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nDuran ss<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.270<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nOsuna lf-cf<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.256<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nBurger 1b<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.226<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nJansen c<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.193<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nFoscue 2b<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n.222<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nHouston
\nAB
\nR
\nH
\nBI
\nBB
\nSO
\nAvg.
\n<\/tr>\n\nTotals<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n\nAltuve 2b<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.245<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nAllen 2b<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.219<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nParedes 3b<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nAlvarez dh<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.322<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nWalker 1b<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.266<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nShewmake ss<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.341<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nMatthews cf<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.202<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nCole rf-lf<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.235<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nDezenzo lf<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n.182<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nSmith rf<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.199<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nV\u00e1zquez c<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n.247<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nTexas<\/td>\n000<\/td>\n000<\/td>\n100_1<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nHouston<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n00x_4<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

a-flied out for Carter in the 7th.<\/p>\n

LOB_Texas 13, Houston 1. HR_Altuve (4), off deGrom; Alvarez (15), off deGrom; Walker (11), off deGrom; Cole (3), off deGrom. RBIs_Pederson (10), Altuve (12), Alvarez (31), Walker (30), Cole (7).<\/p>\n

Runners left in scoring position_Texas 7 (McCutchen 2, Jung, Foscue, Duran, Burger 2); Houston 0. RISP_Texas 1 for 10; Houston 0 for 0.<\/p>\n

Runners moved up_Osuna. GIDP_Altuve.<\/p>\n

DP_Texas 1 (Jung, Foscue, Burger).<\/p>\n\n

IP<\/p>\n

H
\nR
\nER
\nBB
\nSO
\nNP
\nERA
\n<\/tr>\n\n6<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n94<\/td>\n3.02<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n3.31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n

IP<\/p>\n

H
\nR
\nER
\nBB
\nSO
\nNP
\nERA
\n<\/tr>\n\n5<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n76<\/td>\n2.61<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n3.60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n3<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n4.58<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n3.15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n5.06<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n7.80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Inherited runners-scored_King 2-0, Abreu 2-0. HBP_Teng (Jansen).<\/p>\n

ABS Challenge_Teng (Ball-Confirmed); Abreu (Ball-Confirmed).<\/p>\n

Umpires_Home, Dillon Wilson; First, Manny Gonzalez; Second, Tom Hanahan; Third, Ron Kulpa.<\/p>\n

T_2:28. A_32,315 (41,000).<\/p>\n

Five scoreless from Teng<\/p>\n

Teng is still stretching out after opening the season as a reliever. He\u2019d thrown 63 pitches in his last outing in Cincinnati. Espada said pregame Teng could be available for 80 to 85 pitches Saturday.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully, that\u2019s (exiting) in the sixth,\u201d Espada said.<\/p>\n

Teng got the Astros there, providing all they could have asked on a pitch restriction and magnifying the question of whether he might belong in the rotation going forward.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Texas managed two hits against Teng over five innings, both singles. He walked four batters and hit one but struck out seven to help navigate that traffic. The Rangers whiffed on 11 of 27 swings and averaged an 84.3 mph exit velocity on nine balls put in play against the right-hander.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a reliever I tried to go as deep as I can to help save the bullpen, and today being a starter it\u2019s the same mindset,\u201d Teng said through an interpreter. \u201cI just try to go as deep as I can and use the least pitches to get the most outs and it really turned out great today.\u201d<\/p>\n

He notched his first nine outs on 35 pitches. A walk, a single and a hit batsman loaded the bases in the second inning with two outs. Teng bounced a pitch, but it caromed back to catcher Christian V\u00e1zquez, whose flip to Teng beat Evan Carter trying to score from third.<\/p>\n

Teng stranded two runners in the fourth and two more in the fifth, generating the needed ground balls with his sweeper and changeup. He finished the fifth inning at 76 pitches and did not return in the sixth. Teng pared his ERA to 2.61 through his first 31 innings this season.<\/p>\n

Opponents were hitting .122 against Teng\u2019s sweeper entering Saturday. He threw that pitch 24 times on 76 total pitches and finished five strikeouts with it. Enough four-seamers and sinkers kept Texas\u2019 hitters from keying on it. Teng mixed in a changeup and curveball, as well.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

\u201cHe settles down, gets outs, I like the tempo of how fast he works,\u201d Espada said. \u201cI\u2019d like to minimize some of those walks so we can really get him to get deeper in the games. But the stuff is good.\u201d<\/p>\n

King defuses seventh<\/p>\n

In perhaps a display of urgency amid his team\u2019s poor start, Espada deployed two of his highest-leverage relievers in the seventh inning.<\/p>\n

Enyel De Los Santos began the inning with a four-run lead. He faced four batters and retired one. Jake Burger beat an infield single. Justin Foscue served a one-out single to center. Joc Pederson grounded a single sharply up the middle, scoring Burger and bringing the potential tying run to the plate.<\/p>\n

Espada turned to Bryan King. The left-hander had recorded a five-out save Friday, though throwing just 17 pitches. King entered with a left-right-left pocket due up. Brandon Nimmo flied out. King walked Josh Jung, however, spurring Texas to pull back cleanup man Evan Carter for a pinch hitter.<\/p>\n

Andrew McCutchen took the at-bat and saw one pitch, skying a King fastball routinely to center field to leave the bases loaded. AJ Blubaugh recorded two outs in the eighth before issuing back-to-back walks. Abreu induced a fly out from Foscue to end the inning.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Altuve, Alvarez strike in first<\/p>\n

Both Altuve and Alvarez got hittable fastballs from deGrom in the first inning and did not miss.<\/p>\n

DeGrom fell behind 2-0 to Altuve and planted a 97.3 mph fastball up in the zone. Altuve sent it into the Crawford Boxes for his first leadoff home run of the season and 42nd of his career. Only Craig Biggio hit more, with 53, for the Astros.<\/p>\n

This was Altuve\u2019s first home run since April 17, snapping a streak of 94 plate appearances without one. Altuve had a .202\/.253\/.250 slash line with four extra-base hits, all doubles, across 21 games between homers. He entered Saturday with his OPS for the season down to .693.<\/p>\n

In the Statcast era, since 2015, Altuve owns six home runs against pitches thrown at 97 mph or higher. Three are against deGrom, all since the start of last season.<\/p>\n

Alvarez worked an eight-pitch at-bat in the first, taking two four-seamers and fouling away two more, before deGrom threw one at 98 mph in the center of the zone. Alvarez drove it 362 feet into the right-field seats for his 15th\u00a0home run of the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cScoring first, it always kind of sets the table for us, the momentum,\u201d Espada said. \u201cBut really good at-bats. \u2026 I thought we just had a good approach against deGrom today.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Yordan Alvarez celebrates with Astros teammate Braden Shewmake after his first-inning homer during Saturday’s win over the Rangers.…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":802391,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5130],"tags":[4345,358,3187],"class_list":{"0":"post-802390","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-houston","8":"tag-houston","9":"tag-texas","10":"tag-tx"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116588780422333784","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/802390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=802390"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/802390\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/802391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=802390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=802390"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=802390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}