Before this game the Houston Astros occupied first place in the American league West, 25 games ahead of the last place Texas Rangers. The Astros are still in first place, but at least the Rangers are one game closer in the race in the AL West.
The lowly Rangers came to Houston on an eight game losing streak. Their pitching staff had an 8.68 ERA in its last seven games, and in the four game sweep by the A’s, had surrendered 53 hits and 41 runs.
Tonight, the second best offense in MLB, with a wRC+ of 112, could only manage two runs and six hits against the third worst pitching staff in baseball.