The Rangers seemed to be well on their way to improving on last season’s disastrous 60-102 record, but after Monday’s 1-0 loss to the Astros in Houston, there may be no guarantee. Texas is riding a nine-game losing streak with 28 contests left, sitting at 58-76 on the season.
While Rangers ace pitcher Martín Pérez once again dazzled — seven innings in which he allowed one run on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts — his Astros counterpart on the mound did even better. Rookie Hunter Brown made an impressive showing in his big league debut.
“Brown did a nice job,” Rangers skipper Tony Beasley told MLB.com. “You have to give him credit. He had a live fastball and a nice little breaking ball, and he attacked. He forced us into contact. He walked one guy. He just attacked the zone and did what you expect a pitcher to do. So just tip the hat.”
Brown lasted six innings and allowed no runs on three hits while walking one and striking out five.
Houston would send a total of four pitchers to the mound in the win. The three relief pitchers for the Astros would toss the final three frames without allowing a hit or walk while fanning five. A total of 10 Rangers batters would be sent back to the bench via strikeout, as Texas went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The Rangers only managed to get on base four times in the loss. Texas’ three hits came from Bubba Thompson, Ezequiel Duran, and Marcus Semien (a double), and Adolis Garcia earned a walk.
The Rangers will look to avoid a double-digit losing streak on Tuesday when they again face the Astros at Minute Made Park with a start time set for 7:10 p.m.
Texas will send Glenn Otto (6-8, 4.82) to the mound to face Framber Valdez (14-4, 2.63) for Houston.
