Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – Collin McHugh pitched six strong innings
to lead the Houston Astros in a 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers to open a
three-game set on Friday.
McHugh (1-0) gave up a run on five hits while walking two and striking out
four for the Astros, who dropped two of three to Cleveland to open the season.
Colby Rasmus hit a two-run home run, Jake Marisnick drove in a pair of runs
and Jed Lowrie added a solo home run in the win.
Delino DeShields Jr. drove in the only run of the game for the Rangers, who
split a four-game set with Oakland to open the 2015 campaign.
Texas starter Derek Holland’s (0-1) season debut was a short one as he left
after just one inning with tightness in his left shoulder. He gave up Lowrie’s
homer in the first to take the loss.
After the game, the team announced that he has a strain of the subscapularis
muscle in his left shoulder and will not throw for at least four weeks.
The Rangers also lost right fielder Shin-Soo Choo to a back injury, and left
fielder Ryan Rua to an ankle injury.
Houston jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first as Lowrie hit a two-out solo
homer just over the wall in left for his second of the year.
Elvis Andrus singled to start the Texas third, but was caught stealing second.
Rougned Odor then doubled, but Robinson Chirinos and Leonys Martin grounded
out to end the frame.
The Astros tacked on another run in the fifth. Jonathan Villar walked and
Jason Castro followed with a single. Robbie Grossman then tried to bunt, but
popped it out and Villar was caught off second. Marisnick followed with a
double to plate Castro for a 2-0 lead.
Texas got on the board in the sixth as Adrian Beltre hit a one-out double and
Prince Fielder followed with a single before DeShields Jr.’s fielder’s choice
allowed Beltre to cross the plate and made it a 2-1 game.
Houston got the run back in the seventh, though, as Grossman hit a two-out
double and Jake Marisnick followed with a single to score Grossman for a 3-1
lead.
Rasmus’ two-run homer in the ninth extended the Astros’ lead to four runs.
Game Notes
McHugh has won eight straight decisions dating back to August of last season.
He is the first Astros pitcher to win eight in a row since Roy Oswalt won nine
straight in 2006-07 … Holland fell to 3-2 against Houston … Texas was 1-
for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded six.
