‘STROS FALL IN THE 9TH; RANGERS ROLL TO WIN

Ramon Laureano singled with two outs in the ninth to drive home the winning run, as Oakland beat the Astros for the third time in four games, 3-2.

The loss drops the Astros to .500 (22-22) and five-and-a-half games back of the A’s in the American League West.  The Astros are also on the outside looking in if the playoffs were to begin today.

Houston took an early lead as George Springer led off the game with his eighth homer of the season.  Yuli Gurriel’s homer in the sixth extended the lead to 2-0.

Oakland’s Tommy LaStella tied the game with a two-run double in the seventh of reliever Josh James.

Astros’ starter Luis Garcia gave up just one hit and struck out four over five innings.

The two teams will close out their five-game series Thursday afternoon at 2:10 CDT.  The Astros have now lost seven of their last eight games.

The Rangers erupted for five runs in the fifth inning en route to a 7-3 win over the Angels, Wednesday night.

Ian Kainer-Falefa paced the Rangers’ offense going 4-for-4 with a pair of runs scored.  Leody Taveras also scored twice, while Nick Solak doubled and drove in a pair of runs.

John King (1-0), the third of seven Ranger pitchers picked up the win.

The Rangers and Angels will square off in a matinee Thursday at 3:05 in Arlington.