The Texas Rangers scored six runs while the Houston Astros scored five runs.
The Rangers led 3-0 early and then 4-1 late, holding that 4-1 lead into the seventh inning only for the Astros to tie the game in that ining and then take a 5-4 lead in the eighth because Texas was essentially forced into a quasi bullpen game while unfortunately also being quite thin in both available and reliable relief.
Nevertheless, No. 9 hitter Kyle Higashioka hit a two-out, solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth which allowed the Rangers to bring in their best reliever Jacob Latz and after a scoreless top of the ninth, they walked off a near-untouchable Josh Hader with three consecutive hits to begin (and end!) the ninth.
The Rangers go into the All-Star break leading the American League West and, hey, those Silver Boot dreams live on another day!
Player of the Game: Brandon Nimmo had three hits and the walk-off single but also big props to MacKenzie Gore for four innings of one-run ball after he asked to make the start on short rest after Jacob deGrom broke his ass or something.
Up Next: After a few days off for everyone other than All-Star Latz, the Rangers open the second half in Atlanta where they will take on the Braves beginning on Friday evening.
