Game Recap: Keuchel, Rondon Lasso Rangers. Reddick, Kemp Homer For 5-3 Win

Its a great night when the Astros win and Dallas Keuchel starts the game striking out six of the first seven batters he faces.

Or when our little might mite, Tiny Tony Kemp, hits a dinger and gets his hugs for homers by carrying the White Bear, Evan Gattis around the dugout.

Or whenever the team you beat has a player on the roster named Stinky.

After a tough trip to Tampa, it’s good to have the Stros back on a winning track, beating a hot Rangers team 5-3. They did it with strong pitching from Dallas Keuchel, RBI doubles from Yuli Gurriel, Josh Reddick and home runs from Reddick and Kemp.

It was Reddick’s first home run since April 21st, his seventh. For Kemp it was his second of the year

Keuchel pitched seven strong innings, striking out seven, allowing five hits and two runs.

The bullpen provided drama in the eighth when Chris Devenski loaded the bases by walking two and allowing a single. Tony Sipp induced a run scoring ground out and then yielded the mound to Hector Rondon. Rondon walked Joey Gallo in an epic confrontation involving about a dozen pitches, loading the bases. He was able to preserve the 5-3 lead by striking out Robinson Chirinos for the third out.

Rondon closed the ninth allowing only an infield single.

Tonight Tim Federowicz, just up from AAA Fresno to replace the injured Brian McCann, was forced into early action when Max Stassi sustained an arm injury caused by a hit by pitch. As of this writing Stassi’s status is day-to-day.

Tomorrow the Rangers and Astros conclude their short July 4th series at 6:05 in Arlington. Gerrit Cole (9-2, 2.50 ERA) faces Mike Minor (6-4, 4.64 ERA).

Prior to the game Alex Bregman was named AL player of the week and player of the month. Story here.

Box score and videos here.