Astros back atop AL West with rout of rival Rangers
Houston’s 11-2 win over Texas moved them into first place for the first time since early April
The Astros celebrated after an 11-2 win that put them back in control of the AL West.
The Houston Astros moved into first place in the American League West after an 11-2 rout of the Texas Rangers on Friday night at Daikin Park.
Yainer Diaz homered and tied a career high with four hits, while Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker also went deep in the lopsided win.
Jeremy Peña drove in three runs and Yordan Alvarez reached base four times as Houston tied a season high with 18 hits.
The Astros improved to a half-game ahead of Texas atop the division, marking their first time in the lead since sharing the top spot on April 6.
Houston also secured the regular-season series against the Rangers, giving them the tiebreaker should the teams finish level in the standings.
The win capped a strong stretch for Houston, who have won nine of their last 10 games and are now in control of their own path through August
