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.
Houston’s 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 to convert his 24th consecutive save opportunity, matching Brad Lidge’s single-season 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 year 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 Texas starter Jose Urena (3-7) and pushed a run across when Jeremy Pena grounded into a forceout.
Alvarez led off the third inning with his second homer in as many games. The 415-foot homer was his 22nd long ball this season.
Urena allowed two runs on six hits to go along with three walks and zero strikeouts over four innings.
The Astros extended their lead to 5-0 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 second major league hit and scored on Mauricio Dubon’s double. Jose Altuve followed with a run-scoring single. Dezenzo’s first big-league hit was a double in the second.
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 Langford drew a one-out walk.
Langford stole second base and scored on Nathaniel Lowe’s triple that skipped past Alvarez in left field. After Adolis 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 Langford 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
