The Rangers got off to a fast start in Game 2 of the ALCS, scoring five runs in the first three innings, including a four-run first inning. That would be just enough, as Texas held on to beat the Astros 5-4 on Monday night.
The ALCS now shifts to Arlington with the Rangers in front 2-0.
Here are some takeaways from the game:
OFFENSE STRIKES EARLY
It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for the Astros, as the Rangers offense exploded in the first, tagging Astros' left-hander Framber Valdez for four runs on five hits, all singles. But Texas was mostly shutdown the rest of the way.
After the second inning, the Rangers had two hits the rest of the game: Jonah Heim's solo blast to left field in the third and Leody Taveras' triple in the sixth. i
NATHAN EOVALDI GETS THE JOB DONE
Nathan Eovaldi had an up-and-down outing, but when his night came to an end after six innings, the numbers were good.
Eovaldi allowed three runs on five hits, two of which were solo home runs hit by Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman. He stuck out nine and walked one.
Eovaldi was at his best when he got into trouble in the fifth inning. After allowing back-to-back singles to Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick, Jeremy Pena hit a chopper to third base that snuck by Rangers' third baseman Josh Jung. The error loaded the bases with nobody out.
Enter Nasty Nate.
As he has done all season, Eovaldi wiggled his way out of trouble without giving up any runs by striking out Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve, and getting Alex Bregman to ground out.
YORDAN ALVAREZ IS A MACHINE
Yordan Alvarez hit two home runs. Thankfully, they were both solo shots.
Alvarez became the second player in MLB history to hit six home runs in the first six games of a postseason.