The first place 2022 Astros have gotten where they are mostly on the strength of league-leading pitching, strong defensive support, and enough offense to win close games.
Although starting pitcher Framber Valdez recorded his 23rd quality start, the usually stout Astros defense sabotaged his efforts with three errors, and the offense left nine runners on base, was only 1-11 with runners in scoring position, and came up short in the score 4-3.
The Rangers got to Framber Valdez early, scoring three runs in the second inning, starting with a lead-off walk to Mark Mathias followed by a single to Leody Taveras.