First and second in the American League West meet on the diamond Wednesday when the first place Texas Rangers (59-42, 1st AL West) visit Minute Maid Park to play against the second place Houston Astros (57-44, 2nd AL West) in the third and final game of a three game series between the division rivals. Texas lost the opening game of the series with Houston 10-9 on Monday and had its lead over the Astros whittled down to just two games. Texas has lost three of the last four, while Houston has won two straight and five of the last six. Texas will play without five pitchers as well as position player Corey Seager. Houston will play without three pitchers as well as position players Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley.
The Texas Rangers are first in the American League West thanks to excellent production at the plate. Texas is in the top two of four major hitting categories. The Rangers are second in slugging percentage .461, while first in each of the following: runs scored (589), batting average (.273) and on base percentage (.342). Adolis Garcia is leading Texas in home runs with 24 and RBI with 80. Josh Jung is second in home runs with 20, while Jonah Heim is second in RBI with 70. Houston has hit 223 doubles, 10 triples and 139 home runs in 101 games.
On the mound, Texas has slipped back a bit as the Rangers are 16th in team ERA at 4.17, while 7th WHIP at 1.24. Texas is 8th best in Quality Starts with 43 and 14th in batting average allowed at .243. Nathaniel Eovaldi is leading Texas in victories with 11 and in strikeouts with 111. Andrew Heaney starts on the mound for Texas on Wednesday. This season the left-hander is 6-6 with an ERA 4.58 and 100 strikeouts