Alvarez's 117 mph Homer Leads Astros to 6-4 Win Over Rangers
- Yordan Alvarez hit a powerful 117 mph home run, marking the hardest shot of his season.
- Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi struck out eight batters over nearly six innings.
- The Houston Astros defeated the Texas Rangers with a final score of 6-4.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday, the Houston Astros defeated the Texas Rangers 6-4, securing their eighth consecutive season series win against their rivals. Yordan Alvarez showcased his power with a 117 mph homer, marking his hardest hit of the season, while Yusei Kikuchi delivered a strong performance, striking out eight batters over 5 1/3 innings. This game served as a decisive conclusion to the regular-season meetings between last year's AL Championship Series contenders. Kikuchi, making his first start since joining the Astros from Toronto, allowed four hits and two runs, following a near no-hitter by teammate Framber Valdez the previous day. Houston's closer, Josh Hader, continued his impressive streak, earning his 24th consecutive save and tying the franchise record set by Brad Lidge in 2005. Alvarez's solo home run in the third inning gave the Astros an early 2-0 lead. The Astros' offense was bolstered by contributions from rookie Zach Dezenzo, who recorded his first major league hit and scored twice. The team capitalized on a three-run sixth inning, which included a solo shot from Caratini and a double from Dubón that drove in Altuve. Texas managed to score with an RBI triple from Nathaniel Lowe and a single from Jonah Heim, but it wasn't enough to overcome Houston's lead. Both teams are set to begin three-game series on the East Coast on Friday, with the Rangers' Cody Bradford making his second start since returning from injury.