13-22 - Two is better than one as Rangers drop a close one to Astros 2-1

Kolby Allard walked the first batter of the game, got an out, and then allowed a two-run home run off the bat of Michael Brantley which had me immediately pondering why the Rangers didn’t elect to go with an opener for Allard like they had with Jordan Lyles last evening.

Perhaps they should have because, after Allard got out of the first inning, he allowed just one more hit during the rest of his outing and finished with the following line: 7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks on just 79 pitches.

It was inarguably Allard’s best outing of the season and is hopefully one that he can build on going forward. The next step will be figuring out that pesky first inning.

Allard ended up a tough luck loser because that two-run Brantley dong ended up being all the runs that Houston needed as the Rangers scored just once.

Player of the Game: Besides Allard, hours after Isiah Kiner-Falefa told the beats that he needed to hit for more power, he smacked a dinger for that lone run of the evening for the Rangers.

Up Next: Lance Lynn is inexplicably still a Ranger so he will take the mound for Texas in Thursday’s finale against RHP Zack Greinke for Houston in a marquee, matinee match-up. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 1:10 pm CT.