Astros, Rangers Post Get Back on Winning Track

The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros both posted wins yesterday, keeping the race in the American League West just 4 & 1/2 games apart.

The Rangers overcame 4 losses in a row with outstanding pitching by Cole Hamels, who threw a near no-hitter to power the Rangers over the Cubs 4-1. Hamels struck out 7 batters, gave up only 4 hits, and only 1 unearned run in the win.

The Houston Astros also got back to winning thanks to the bats of Jose Altuve and Carlos Gomez. Altuve hit a 2-run homer and had 3 singles, while Carlos Gomez hit his 2nd career grand slam in the 7th, to power the Astros to an 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Collin McHugh got out of a couple of jams and pitched shutout ball for 6 innings with 10 strikeouts.