Astros 9, Rangers 7: Crush City Comeback

The Astros pounded out six home runs to defeat the Rangers 9-7 on Saturday afternoon. Playing in a nationally televised game, the Astros fell behind early but home runs provided enough offense to hold off a late Rangers rally. It was the tenth time in franchise history the Astros hit six home runs, one shy of the club record of seven.

The Rangers once again opened with runs in the first inning against the Astros. Collin McHugh quickly retired the first two batters, but the Rangers struck again with two out magic. The big blow was a two run double to the fence in left by Mitch Moreland.

Down three runs right out of the box, Carlos Correa chipped into the lead with a moonshot home run to left in the bottom of the first. Texas answered on a solo home run by Shin-Soo Choo in the top of the third to extend the lead back to three runs.

The Astros answered right back, knotting the game at four in the bottom of the inning with two more home runs. Jose Altuve knocked one over the Houston Chronicle sign in left. After a George Springer single, Correa hit a laser into the Crawford Boxes for his second home run of the game.

Collin McHugh settled into the game and kept the Rangers off the scoreboard, giving the Astros offense a chance. They took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth, when Chris Carter crushed a pitch to deep center for another solo home run.

The Rangers threatened in the seventh, chasing McHugh from the game, but Tony Sipp coaxed a huge strikeout from Prince Fielder to preserve the lead.

The Astros extended their advantage with more home runs late in the game, a two run shot by Colby Rasmus in the seventh and a solo home run by Altuve in the eighth. It was the first time in his career Altuve has had multiple home runs in a game.

The insurance runs proved crucial, because the Rangers mounted a two out rally in the ninth off Luke Gregerson. Gregerson retired the first two batters via strikeout, but the next five Rangers reached. Will Harris came in to stop the bleeding, and got potential go ahead run Mitch Moreland on a grounder to second.

It was an absolutely crucial win for the Astros, finally defeating the Rangers and hopefully gaining some breathing room in the Wild Card standings.

Carlos Correa Superlatives

- Set a new club single season record for home runs by a shortstop with 21.

- Tied Lance Berkman for most home runs by an Astros rookie with 21.

Tweet of the Day

Jose Altuve & Carlos Correa are the first ever #Astros double-play combo each with multiple HR in the same game.

— Ace of MLB Stats (@AceballStats) September 26, 2015