Rangers at Astros
Houston is hardly known for its power, but the Astros hit a season-high three home runs on Saturday to rally from four runs down and even the three-game interleague series with the visiting Rangers. Texas has lost four of its last six games, while Houston has won three of its last four after losing four straight. Astros center fielder Jordan Schafer will miss the series finale after leaving Saturday’s game with a right ankle sprain. While X-rays were negative, Schafer will be re-evaluated Monday.
The Rangers have cooled since their 15-4 start, but still lead the American League West by five games over Oakland. Josh Hamilton hasn’t hit a home run in a season-high seven games, which is only noteworthy because of his phenomenal start. Hamilton enters Sunday's action batting .384 with 18 homers and 46 RBIs. Right fielder Nelson Cruz, who left Saturday’s game in the ninth inning as a precaution with a tight right quad, is hitting .375 (18-for-48) over his last 12 games and expects to be available for the series finale.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Houston
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Colby Lewis (3-3, 3.63 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (0-0, 3.00)
After an impressive April, Lewis has lost three straight outings while allowing a total of 19 runs (14 earned) covering 19 1/3 innings. Lewis is tied for American League lead with 12 home runs allowed, and is 5-5 with a 4.46 ERA over 18 appearances and 10 starts in interleague play.
Lyles tossed six innings in each of his two starts since taking over for Kyle Weiland (shoulder) in the Astros’ rotation. He’s expected to remain in the rotation at least until Weiland returns. Josh Hamilton is 3-for-6 with a homer against Lyles, who has nine strikeouts in his first 11 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The winner of the Lone Star Series earns the right to take home the Silver Boot, which has been won by Texas in each of the last five seasons.
2. Astros reliever Wilton Lopez allowed a seventh-inning run Saturday, ending his streak of scoreless outings at 10.
3. David Murphy’s inside-the-park homer Saturday was the first of his career and the 23rd in Rangers history.