Rangers crush Astros 7-3 on July 12 behind Wyatt Langford's 4-hit night & an Adolis García HR. Read how Texas dominated their rivals in a key road win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's nothing sweeter than walking into your rival's ballpark and making it your own. The Texas Rangers did just that on Saturday night, delivering a powerful offensive statement in a 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Behind a barrage of timely hits and a pair of long balls, the Rangers took control early and never looked back, moving to just one game under .500 and handing the struggling Astros their fourth straight loss.
Wyatt Langford was simply unstoppable, tying a career-high with four hits, including a towering home run.
The Rangers' bats wasted no time getting to work. Evan Carter set the tone in the very first inning with a clutch two-run single to give Texas an immediate lead. The pressure continued in the third when Jonah Heim ripped a two-RBI double, extending the advantage. The real fireworks came from the power bats. Adolis García, staying red-hot, launched a homer for the second consecutive game, while Wyatt Langford capped his incredible night with a solo shot of his own. Langford's four-hit performance was a masterclass in hitting, showcasing the dynamic talent that has fans so excited.
On the mound, Jack Leiter gave the Rangers a solid, winning effort. The young right-hander navigated the Astros' lineup for 5 1/3 innings, punching out six batters along the way. While he did surrender a two-run homer to Victor Caratini, Leiter was effective when it mattered, earning his fifth win of the season. He also gave Astros' top prospect Brice Matthews a rude welcome to the big leagues, striking him out in their encounters as part of Matthews' 0-for-4 debut.
The win wasn't without a moment of concern. Infielder Jake Burger had to leave the game in the sixth inning with what was described as left quad discomfort. The team will certainly be holding its breath for a positive update on the key run producer. While that news is pending, the Rangers are in a prime position to take the series from their rivals, and they're sending out the ultimate weapon to do it.
With the series opener secured, all attention now shifts to Sunday's matchup, where ace Jacob deGrom will take the hill. Fresh off a 105-strikeout season so far, deGrom (9-2, 2.29 ERA) has the chance to clinch a massive series win in Houston. Facing a reeling Astros team, the stage is set for the Rangers to make another major statement and continue their climb in the standings. You won't want to miss this one.
