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The Rangers beat the Astros 5-3 today and perhaps the biggest reasons for that is because of the bats of Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder. We're all quite aware of the struggles of the Rangers' two left-handed 1B/DH boppers, but today, when the Rangers needed them in the absence of Adrian Beltre, they shouldered the load for offense.
Fielder finally got ahold of one and hit a laser home run into the concourse beyond the foul pole in right field and Moreland was able to contribute with a couple of hits and an RBI. I mean, Jurickson Profar also had two hits and an RBI but baby steps.
Martin Perez went six innings and allowed just two runs for another quality start at home. 'Teen did his thing where he didn't strike out many batters but was able to wiggle his way out of big innings. With the win, Perez is now 5-4 on the year.
Texas gave closer Sam Dyson a consecutive day off so Jake Diekman came in to pick up the save. Diekman slammed the door on the Astros to finish off the series win and pick up his first save of the season. The Rangers went 6-1 during this homestand against two AL West rivals and won their franchise record breaking tenth consecutive home series by beating the Astros three games out of four.
Texas won every game started by Profar during this homestand. The Rangers are 10-2 in games started by Profar. Also, the last action of this series was Rougned Odor hitting an insurance solo home run in the bottom of the 8th to really rub it in.
Player of the Game: Moreland gets the nod here for driving in a run and collecting two hits, including an RBI double that got the Rangers on the board to kickstart the three-run 3rd inning.
Up Next: The Rangers take to the road for a west coast trip beginning tomorrow night in Seattle. Derek Holland will get the ball in the opener against RHP Hisashi Iwakuma of the Mariners. First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 pm CT.