11-15 - Rangers lose first of four to Astros

The Rangers decided two runs would be enough tonight. Once again, it wasn't. You would think the Rangers would have learned that by now.

After Texas took a 2-1 lead on a Mike Napoli home run in the top of the fourth, the bats went silent for the rest of the evening which allowed the Astros ample time to mount a comeback.

I suppose I don't understand why Tony Barnette has become the defacto high leverage guy out of the bullpen. I like Barnette. He was awesome last season and he's got a place on the team, but once again Barnette was the first guy called in from the bullpen immediately when things got hairy and he hasn't been nearly as sharp this year.

In the bottom of the 7th, up 2-1, Andrew Cashner left with two on and no outs and instead of a guy who could maybe get you a couple of strikeouts, like Keone Kela, the Rangers opted for Barnette and he promptly allowed four runs to score.

In the end though, when you score just two runs, walk the leadoff hitter in three straight innings, and commit three errors, you're probably not going to win even if you are the Rangers and they're the Astros.

Player of the Game: Do I have to pick one? They all kind of sucked.

Up Next: Cole Hamels will get his first crack at the Astros while Houston will counter with Mike Fiers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm CT.