1 hour ago 1

Lone star state: Silver boot decided on final game between Astros and Rangers

The Houston Astros made a big September statement Wednesday night, finishing off a sweep of the Texas Rangers with a 5-2 win at Daikin Park. Jose Altuve’s two-run blast off Jacob deGrom broke a tie in the third inning and pushed Houston back into first place in the AL West.

The win, coupled with Seattle’s loss in Kansas City, moved the Astros a half-game ahead of the Mariners in the division race.

Altuve delivers the dagger

With the game locked at 2-2, Carlos Correa opened the bottom of the third with a single. Two batters later, Altuve turned on a deGrom fastball and sent it deep into the left-field seats. It was his 37th career homer against the Rangers, the most he’s hit against any team.

Jeremy Peña added to the damage with a solo shot in the fifth, giving Houston breathing room and forcing deGrom out after just five innings.

MORE: Milwaukee Brewers hit with brutal pitching injuries right before playoffs

Astros arms step up

Cristian Javier looked sharp in his seventh start since returning from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander went six innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out four. Bryan King closed it out with a scoreless ninth for his second save.

On the other side, deGrom’s struggles against Houston continued. He gave up five runs on six hits and labored through a 35-pitch first inning that set the tone.

Series domination continues

The Astros now hold a 7-6 edge in the season series, securing the Silver Boot rivalry for the eighth straight year. Houston has not lost the head-to-head battle since 2016.

Texas, meanwhile, dropped its fourth straight and now trails Houston by five games in the standings with just over a week to go.

What’s next

Both teams get a day off on Thursday. The Rangers return home to face Miami, while the Astros prepare for a huge weekend showdown with the Seattle Mariners that could decide the division.