Rangers 4, Astros 2
Adrian Beltre hit the go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning as host Texas continued its dominance of Houston.
The Rangers trailed 2-1 when Beltre smashed the opposite-field blast off Jarred Cosart to hand the rookie his first loss in seven major-league outings. Texas improved to 13-2 against the Astros this season and extended its lead over Oakland in the American League West lead to 1 1/2 games.
Neal Cotts (5-2) recorded three of his four outs via strikeout as the Rangers won for the 17th time in 21 games. Texas added an insurance run in the eighth as Elvis Andrus scored on a wild pitch by Josh Zeid before Joe Nathan struck out the side in the ninth for his 37th save in 39 opportunities.
Matt Dominguez’s two-run homer to left field in the second inning gave the Astros an early lead. Texas got back a run in the bottom of the frame on an RBI infield single by Alex Rios.
Cosart (1-1) allowed three runs and four hits in six innings. He gave up a total of five earned runs over his first six starts.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Houston DH Max Stassi recorded his first major-league hit, a single in the fifth inning. Later in the frame, he was the victim of the hidden-ball trick pulled by Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler. Stassi was recalled from Double-A Corpus Christi earlier Tuesday after C Carlos Corporan was placed on the seven-day concussion list. … Rangers LHP Travis Blackley was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to make the start and gave up two runs and three hits in four innings. RHP Alexi Ogando (shoulder) was placed on the disabled list to open a roster spot. … The Astros are 4-4 on a nine-game road trip that ends Wednesday against the Rangers.