Seager helps break open game with RBI single after 2-run error as Rangers beat Astros 7-2.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager helped break open a close game with an RBI single for Texas after the star shortstop’s two-run error gave Houston an early lead, and the Rangers beat the Astros 7-2 on Saturday night.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager helped break open a close game with an RBI single for Texas after the star shortstop’s two-run error gave Houston an early lead, and the Rangers beat the Astros 7-2 on Saturday night.
Seager was one of five consecutive Rangers with hits off Houston closer Ryan Pressly in a four-run eighth inning for the World Series champs after Marcus Semien had a tiebreaking single in the sixth.
The Rangers beat the Astros at home for a second night in a row after losing all three games at Globe Life Field while still winning last year’s seven-game AL Championship Series between the Texas rivals.
The Astros, defending AL West champions with six division titles in the past seven years, dropped five games under .500 just nine games into the season.
Houston hasn’t been that far under .500 since June 2016, the year before the club’s current MLB-record run of seven consecutive ALCS appearances.
“It’s nine games. That’s what they’re thinking. It’s early,” first-year Houston manager Joe Espada said. “We’re going to continue to grind. That’s the makeup and character of this team.”
Josh Sborz, the fifth of six Texas relievers who held Houston to three hits over the final 5 2/3 innings, was an out away from a perfect eighth when he paused after throwing a second called strike to José Abreu.
The right-hander, who recorded the final out of the World Series, winced as he raised his arm. Sborz left the game after a visit with an athletic trainer.
Bochy said Sborz felt soreness in his right shoulder and probably could have stayed in the game. More testing was planned for Sunday.
José Leclerc finished off the three-pitch strikeout of Abreu before allowing hits to Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez in a scoreless ninth inning, the first hits for Houston since the fourth. Leclerc got his first save.
