The Rangers sweep the Astros for the second time this season.
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ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers swept a three game from the Houston Astros this week to move to within five games of first place in the West and within two games of a Wild Card playoff berth. It was the second time this year that the Rangers have swept Houston in a three game series and the second series win in a row. Texas has won seven of its last eight games, essentially the time frame from when the Cole Hamels’ trade was finalized. Ironically, the only loss in that span is the game Hamels started.
Nick Martinez sent his record to 7-6 in the series finale Wednesday night. He allowed just one hit and one run over five innings to earn the win. He got the quick hook though from manager Jeff Banister, who turned the game over to the often scary Ranger bullpen with a 4-1 lead.
Banister’s pitching move looked questionable as the Astros rallied for a pair of sixth inning runs, as three relievers each recorded an out. Both runs were charged to Phil Klein, who gave up a hit and walked two of the four batters he faced. Spencer Patton recorded the third out, and then pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
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