The Houston Astros entered this weekend’s series against the rival Texas Rangers in an unfamiliar spot: chasing. However, Houston picked up a game in that chase with a 5-3 win over Texas on Friday night in Arlington. Mauricio Dubon came up with a clutch hit and the bullpen was lights out in the series opening victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Jon Gray got the start for the Rangers in this contest and he was promptly greeted by a Jose Altuve leadoff home run on the very first pitch of the ballgame. That would be all for Houston in the first.
The Astros turned to Ronel Blanco, and he also gave up a run on a double play ball that scored a runner from third. After that run, Blanco settled down and was able to work a couple of scoreless innings.
In the fourth, Josh Jung and Jonah Heim both connected for solo home runs off of Blanco to give Texas a 3-1 lead. That, along with Gray settling in looked to give Texas the advantage.
However, the Astros would work their way back into it. Altuve tacked on an RBI groundout in the fifth to bring the score to 3-2. Then, Mauricio Dubon came up with the hit of the night in the sixth. Despite a couple of failed bunt attempts in the at-bat, Dubon delivered the two-run double to give Houston a 4-3 lead. Jake Meyers ended up tacking on a sacrifice fly to make it 5-3
From there, the Astros bullpen handled their business. Phil Maton, Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and Ryan Pressly all worked scoreless innings in relief. Pressly worked a clean ninth for this 16th save of the season.
BIG NUMBER: 4
The Astros got four scoreless innings out of the bullpen. This game had a playoff-like atmosphere, and that was reflected by the Astros going to all of their best relievers, who delivered.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Mauricio Dubon
Dubon has been so important for this Astros team all year. With Jeremy Pena out of the lineup tonight, Dubon stepped in at shortstop and delivered the most important hit of the game with his go-ahead double.
UP NEXT: Game two between the Astros and Rangers will be tomorrow afternoon at 3:05 PM in Arlington. You can hear the action on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles.