Matt Downs’ homer helps Houston Astros defeat Texas Rangers 5-3 – MLB Update
Houston Astros’ second baseman, Matt Downs was impressive with the bat as he went 1-for-1 and hit a decisive homer including two RBIs in the Astros’ 5-3 win against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas on June 22.
Despite the incredible efforts of the Astros’ roster, the Rangers sealed the three-game series 2-1 at Texas.
In the very first inning of the game, the Rangers got off the mark by posting a single run and took a 1-0 lead. Ian Kinsler scored the first run on the wild throw of the pitcher. The Astros’ third baseman, Chris Johnson was struck-out swinging and Jason
Michaels popped out to second base at the top of the second inning.
The pitchers threw the ball superbly during the span of second to fourth inning as they controlled the scoring shots. Later on, Nelson Cruz struck a solo homer towards left-field to lift the Rangers 2-0 in the fifth inning.
Sixth and seventh inning of the game passed score-less and it seemed as the Rangers clinched this game easily as they were on top at the end of seventh inning. However, the Astros’ batters put their first run in the eighth inning to break the silence of
their fans. At the bottom of the eighth, the Rangers also added one run to remain ahead 3-1.
Jason Bourgeois hit a grounder into a double play and Angel Sanchez posted a single run for the Astros. On the other hand, Endy Chavez scored one run on the double-run shot of Michael Young towards right-field and Josh Hamilton ran quickly at third base.
In the last inning, the Astros’ batters stepped on the gas and exploded four runs to snatch the game 5-3. Johnson doubled to left-field and Carlos Lee added one run. The second and third run was taken by Michaels and Johnson, respectively, while Downs homered
towards left-field to complete a four-run campaign.
The Astros’ manager, Brad Mills stated his excitement and said, “There's no doubt it's a confidence booster, just with the guys battling so much. They were able to get something for it. ... That was sweet.”
Brett Myers pitched six innings with an ERA of 4.65 and allowed two runs on six hits including two earned runs. He struck-out six batters and gave two walks on 101 pitches.
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