Martin Maldonado had a three-run double and Jose Altuve had a season-high four hits as the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 5-1 on Thursday.
Houston gave enough offensive support to Dominican Framber Valdez, who had a good start. Thus, the Astros continued to dominate Texas at home.
The victory was the 11th straight for the Astros at home against the Rangers. Texas went 0-9 last season at Minute Maid Park, where it hasn’t won since Sept. 16, 2020.
The Astros, who lost two of the last three games on the road, had their ninth win at home.
Valdez (3-2) gave up six hits and one run. The Dominican tied a career high with seven strikeouts over seven innings for his second straight win.
The left-hander got off to a shaky start, walking and balking in the first inning as the Rangers took a 1-0 lead. He collected himself afterward to hold Texas scoreless for six innings, improving his ERA to 2.68.
Venezuelan Altuve, who hit two doubles, scored in the first inning to tie.
The loss went to Glenn Otto.
For the Rangers, the Cubans Adolis García 4-1, Andy Ibáñez 3-1.
For the Astros, the Venezuelan Altuve 5-4 with a run scored. Cubans Yordan Álvarez 2-0, Aledmys Díaz 4-2 with a run scored and an RBI. The Dominicans Jeremy Peña 3-1 with a run scored, José Siri 3-1. Puerto Rican Maldonado 4-1 with three RBIs.
