Rangers surge ahead, claim 2-0 victory against Astros

Jonah Heim homered, Nathan Eovaldi pitched six effective innings and the Texas Rangers beat Framber Valdez and Houston Astros 5-4 on Monday for a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.

The Texas Rangers took a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series with a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros. The Rangers got off to a strong start, scoring four runs in the first inning against Astros pitcher Framber Valdez. Adolis García, Mitch Garver, and Nathaniel Lowe all hit RBI singles in the inning. Jonah Heim added a solo home run in the third inning to extend the lead to 5-1. The Astros mounted a comeback in the eighth inning, with Yordan Alvarez hitting a two-run homer off Aroldis Chapman to make it 5-4. However, José Leclerc came in to close out the game for the Rangers and secure the win. The Astros struggled at home once again, falling to 1-3 in the playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Game 3 of the series will take place in Arlington.