As Major League Baseball gears up for the All-Star Game, the Houston Astros are set to host the Texas Rangers in an intriguing three-game series at Minute Maid Park this weekend. This series marks the final clash between the teams before the midseason break and is pivotal for both teams as they look to improve their standings.
So far this season, the Astros and Rangers have faced off in seven games, with Houston holding a slight edge having won four. These teams will meet again in early August, but for now, all eyes are on this upcoming series, particularly after the Astros’ 8-5 win in their last encounter on April 14. In that game, star second baseman Jose Altuve led the charge with two home runs and three hits, while Cristian Javier pitched a solid game to secure the win, striking out five over seven innings.
Series Schedule and Starting Pitchers:
Friday, 7:10 PM CT: Andrew Heaney (3-9, 3.80) vs. Hunter Brown (6-6, 4.48)
Saturday, 3:10 PM CT: Nathan Eovaldi (6-3, 3.10) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (4-7, 5.96)
Sunday, 1:10 PM CT: TBD vs. Ronel Blanco (9-3, 2.53)
The Astros are currently second in the AL West with a 49-44 record, just two games behind the leader. They are also vying for a wildcard spot, standing eighth in the American League and just 2.5 games back in the race. Their recent form has been strong, with a 7-3 record in their last ten games, showcasing their resilience after a rough start to the season.
Conversely, the Rangers are third in the division at 44-49, facing a steeper climb with a 7.5-game deficit in the wildcard race. They also have had mixed results recently, but with a recent surge shown in their last ten games (6-4), they look to challenge the Astros in this crucial series.
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If the Astros can clinale a series win, they could potentially head into the second half of the season six games or more over .500, a significant recovery from their 7-19 start. Every game counts, and as Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Peña emphasized, the team is well-equipped and experienced enough to maintain their composure and continue striving for a playoff berth.
This weekend’s series not only serves as a decisive moment for both teams but also as a thrilling prelude to the upcoming All-Star break, setting the stage for a compelling second half in the AL West race.
