Astros power up vs. slumping Rangers for series victory

Field Level Media|published: Wed 7th August, 18:02 2024

Aug 7, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) bats against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Caratini and Yordan Alvarez each homered as the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

Yusei Kikuchi (5-9) allowed two runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings in his second start since being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline.

Josh Hader retired the Rangers in order in the ninth inning for his 24th consecutive save, matching Brad Lidge's franchise record from 2005.

Marcus Semien hit a solo homer for Texas, which has lost nine of its past 12 games.

Houston outhit the Rangers 13-9 in the final meeting of the season between the teams and won the season series 7-6. Astros designated hitter Yainer Diaz had three hits.

Houston loaded the bases with one out in the first inning against Jose Urena (3-7) and pushed a run across on Jeremy Pena's fielder's choice.

Alvarez led off the third inning with his second homer in as many games. The 415-foot homer was his 22nd this season.

Urena allowed two runs on six hits with three walks and zero strikeouts over four innings.

The Astros extended their lead with three runs on four hits in the sixth inning, including Caratini's one-out solo homer against Jose Leclerc.

With two outs, Zach Dezenzo singled for his first major league hit and scored on Mauricio Dubon's double. Jose Altuve followed with a run-scoring single.

Texas battled back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Semien hit a leadoff homer against Kikuchi, who was replaced by Tayler Scott after Wyatt Lankford drew a one-out walk.

Lankford stole second base and scored on Josh Lowe's triple that skipped past Alvarez in left field. After Garcia walked, Lowe scored on Leody Taveras' sacrifice fly.

Kikuchi walked three and struck out eight while throwing 100 pitches in his first victory since June 11.

Houston moved ahead 6-3 in the eighth inning on Alex Bregman's RBI single against Brock Burke.

Texas pulled closer in the bottom of the eighth when Lankford scored on Jonah Heim's two-out single against Ryan Pressly. Josh Smith flied out with two runners on to end the inning.

--Field Level Media