Astros assert dominance with convincing sweep of Rangers

The Astros came to Globe Life Park and left no doubt about their dominance. They swept the Rangers with a 7-2 win Sunday and now hold a seemingly insurmountable lead in the American League West, including 15 games ahead of the Rangers. The Astros have won 10 consecutive games, tying the Rangers for longest win streak in the majors in 2017. The Rangers have lost four in a row and 10 of their last 12.

How Rangers pitchers fared: the Astros jumped on Martin Perez with two runs in the first and tacked on runs the next four innings to take a 7-0 lead. Perez was charged with six runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks. He allowed three homers, including two to George Springer. Tony Barnette replaced Perez with two outs in the fourth inning. In the fifth, Yuli Gurriel homered off Barnette to make it 7-0. Nick Martinez took over in the sixth and pitched three scoreless innings of relief.

How Rangers hitters fared: Brad Peacock held the Rangers hitless through the first three innings. Nomar Mazara’s single in the fourth finally got Texas off the snide. Rougned Odor’s solo homer in the fifth put Texas on the board and made the score 7-1. Joey Gallo’s sixth-inning single scored Elvis Andrus, who singled, moved to second on a fielder’s choice, and stole third base.

Notables: The Astros swept the Rangers for the first time since July 7-9, 2014 in Arlington.

This story was originally published June 4, 2017 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Astros assert dominance with convincing sweep of Rangers."