After the Astros trailed 3-0 to the Rangers before even coming up to bat this afternoon, it was easy to envision their September slide continuing. Their power bats made sure that didn’t happen.
The Astros slugged six home runs this afternoon as part of a 9-7 comeback win. Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, who were involved in a collision on Friday, each homered twice. Chris Carter hit a go-ahead blast in the sixth inning while Colby Rasmus provided some insurance with a two-run homer in the seventh.
Collin McHugh overcame his shaky first inning and got the win after allowing four runs over 6 2/3 innings. The Rangers made things interesting in the ninth inning by plating three runs against Astros closer Luke Gregerson. Astros manager A.J. Hinch eventually turned to Will Harris with the tying run coming up to the plate. Harris managed to get Mitch Moreland to ground out to escape the jam and secure the victory.
The Astros (81-74) are 3 1/2 games behind the Rangers (84-70) in the AL West and hold a one-game lead over the Angels (79-74) for the second Wild Card spot. The Angels can trim that lead back to a half-game with a win tonight against the Mariners.