ASTROS & RANGERS END LOSING STREAKS

Framber Valdez struck out 11 over seven innings as the Astros snapped a four-game losing skid, 11-4 over the L.A. Angels.

Valdez (3-2) limited the Angels to six hits over seven innings, while Carlos Correa drove in three runs.

Houston jumped out to a 5-1 lead after three innings, then busted open the game with four more runs in the sixth.

The win upped the Astros’ home record to 11-4.

The schedule for the remaining three games between the two A.L. West rivals has been drastically changed.  Thursday afternoon’s game has been cancelled.  The two teams will play a double header today (Tuesday) with seven-inning games at 3:05 and 6:05.  They will then close out the series with a noon game, Wednesday.

The schedule will allow the Angels to get out of town ahead of any drastic weather that could hit the area late Wednesday.

Tonight’s second game can be heard on KWHI AM 1280 and FM 101.7.

The Rangers ended their eight-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over first-place Oakland.

All runs were scored in the first two innings, with the Rangers taking the lead for good on Ian Kainer-Falefa’s first home run of the season.  Todd Frazier drove in two runs with a first-inning single.

Lance Lynn (4-0) was dominant over six innings, striking out eight and holding the A’s to just six hits.  Rafael Montero picked up his sixth save with a scoreless inning-and-a-third of relief.

The Rangers and the A’s will go at it again tonight at 7:05 in Arlington.