Zack Short's 11th-inning walk-off single lifts the Astros over the Rangers 5-4 on July 14, snapping a 4-game skid as Josh Hader blows his first save.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the sky was falling, Zack Short delivered the thunder. The utility infielder slapped a single into right field in the bottom of the 11th inning, capping a wild, back-and-forth affair and giving the Houston Astros a desperately needed 5-4 walk-off victory over the rival Texas Rangers, snapping a painful four-game losing streak.
In a stunning turn, Rangers closer Josh Hader suffered his first blown save of the season after 25 straight successful conversions.
This was a classic nail-biter at Minute Maid Park. Framber Valdez was masterful, going six strong innings and fanning 10 Rangers while allowing just one unearned run. The offense provided early support via the long ball, with Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz, and Mauricio Dubón all launching solo shots to build a 3-1 lead. But the Rangers clawed back, with late homers from Marcus Semien and Kyle Higashioka forcing extra innings. After Adolis García put Texas ahead in the top of the 11th, the Astros' resilience shone through. Two walks loaded the bases, Christian Walker tied it with a sacrifice fly in his return from the paternity list, and Zack Short etched his name in the box score with the game-winning hit.
The good news wasn't confined to the diamond. General Manager Dana Brown provided a wave of optimism, announcing that shortstop Jeremy Peña (rib fracture) has resumed baseball activities and could return shortly after the All-Star break. Even more encouraging, superstar Yordan Alvarez (right hand fracture) is reportedly pain-free and will be re-evaluated on July 17 with hopes of beginning to swing a bat. With pitcher Spencer Arrighetti also throwing live BP, the injury-plagued Astros are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
To navigate the current injury situation, the Astros made several roster moves. The team selected the contract of promising shortstop Brice Matthews from Triple-A Sugar Land, a move necessitated by injuries to Jake Meyers (right calf strain) and Zach Dezenzo (left hand inflammation), the latter of whom was transferred to the 60-day IL. Shay Whitcomb was optioned to make room. The moves come as Chas McCormick continues his rehab assignment in Sugar Land and outfielder Kenedy Corona remains with the big-league club after his recent recall.
This win was more than just a notch in the standings; it was a jolt of energy for a team that desperately needed one. With a huge walk-off against a division rival in the books and the potential return of superstars like Peña and Alvarez on the horizon, the Astros head into the rest of the week with renewed confidence. All eyes will be on Alvarez's re-evaluation this Thursday as Houston looks to get healthy and build on this incredible momentum.
