Texas Rangers defeat Houston Astros 5-1 on July 13, 2025. Nathan Eovaldi dominates and Marcus Semien homers as the Rangers clinch the key AL West series.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
That's how you end a road trip. The Texas Rangers marched into Houston and made a statement, taking the series from the AL West-leading Astros with a decisive 5-1 victory on Sunday. Behind a masterful performance from ace Nathan Eovaldi and a milestone blast from Marcus Semien, the Rangers showed they're not backing down in the division race.
Adolis García now has 20 home runs against the Astros since 2021, the most by any player in that span.
When you need a stopper, you turn to your ace, and Nathan Eovaldi delivered in a big way. He was simply untouchable, carving up the potent Astros lineup for 7⅔ brilliant innings. Eovaldi allowed just one run on five hits, striking out eight without issuing a single walk. This marked his third straight win, improving his record to 7-3 and further cementing his role as the anchor of a Rangers rotation that now leads all of Major League Baseball with a stellar 3.34 ERA. That's the kind of performance that wins you big games on the road.
The offense gave Eovaldi all the support he'd need early on. The Rangers jumped on Houston in the second inning when Wyatt Langford drew a walk and promptly scored on a ringing triple from Evan Carter. Carter, who also doubled in the game, didn't stay on third for long, as Ezequiel Duran drove him in with a ground-rule double to make it 2-0. An inning later, the designated 'Astro Killer' did his thing. Adolis García launched a solo shot, his third homer in four games and his 20th against Houston since 2021. No other player in baseball has tormented the Astros like 'El Bombi' during that stretch.
Just to put an exclamation point on the day, Marcus Semien stepped up in the eighth inning and crushed his 250th career home run. The two-run shot not only provided crucial insurance runs but also marked a significant milestone for the veteran second baseman. It was his second homer of the series, a testament to the power and consistency he brings to the top of the lineup day in and day out. It was a fitting end to a game where the Rangers' stars shined brightest.
This was more than just one win; it was a momentum-builder. By taking the series, the Rangers (48-49) have chipped away at the Astros' lead, now sitting 8.5 games back in the AL West. With the All-Star break providing a chance to rest and regroup, the team can feel good about where they stand. They'll return home to host the Detroit Tigers, carrying the confidence from a huge series victory against their biggest rivals. The hunt for October is far from over.
