Final
Ogando, Rangers blank Astros
Apr 4, 2013 - 4:58 AMVideo
Ogando (1-0), back in the rotation after spending last season in the bullpen, recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings while limiting the Astros to four hits in the rubber match of this season-opening series at Minute Maid Park.
"He was outstanding," Rangers manager Ron Washington said of his starter. "He did exactly what we needed him to do."
Texas native Philip Humber (0-1) pitched well in his Astros debut. The right- hander, who tossed a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox in 2012, gave up one run on five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.
"We have to put it behind us," Astros outfielder Rick Ankiel said of the loss.
The Rangers tagged Houston's bullpen for three runs in the eighth.
Lance Berkman ripped an opposite-field double to left to drive in Elvis Andrus, who singled off reliever Hector Ambriz to begin the frame. With men on the corners later in the inning, Nelson Cruz hit a single to plate a pinch- running Julio Borbon and move Adrian Beltre to third. Beltre had reached on an infield single after Berkman doubled.
A third run scored when Houston left fielder Chris Carter dropped A.J. Pierzynski's fly ball. Pierzynski was still credited with a sacrifice fly.
The Rangers got on the board two innings earlier. Texas loaded the bases with no outs on a Berkman walk and singles by Beltre and David Murphy. Humber was removed after getting Cruz to ground into a double play, with Berkman coming home on the play.
Game Notes
Rangers' pitchers compiled 43 strikeouts in the series, the most ever by a team in the first three games of a season in major league history ... Berkman extended his hitting streak at Minute Maid Park to 15 games ... The Astros haven't won a series over the Rangers since taking two of three games from June 24-26, 2008.
- TEXAS: 4
HOUSTON: 0
Final
Apr 3 5:10 PM - A.J. Pierzynski reached first on Chris Carter's fielding error scored Adrian Beltre. On the play, Nelson Cruz advances to second. Runners on first and second with one out and Mitch Moreland due up.
Rangers 4, Astros 0 Top 8, 1 OutApr 3 4:39 PM - Nelson Cruz single to left scored Julio Borbon. On the play, Adrian Beltre advances to third. Runners on first and third with one out and A.J. Pierzynski due up.
Rangers 3, Astros 0 Top 8, 1 OutApr 3 4:36 PM - Lance Berkman double to left scored Elvis Andrus. Runner on second with none out and Adrian Beltre due up.
Rangers 2, Astros 0 Top 8, 0 OutsApr 3 4:29 PM - Nelson Cruz grounded into a double play, second to first scored Lance Berkman. On the play, David Murphy out at second and Adrian Beltre advances to third. Runner on third with two outs and A.J. Pierzynski due up.
Rangers 1, Astros 0 Top 6, 2 OutsApr 3 3:42 PM - TEXAS: 0
HOUSTON: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
Apr 3 2:41 PM
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