Astros 11-2 win over Rangers puts them atop AL West

The Houston Astros surged into first place in the American League West on Friday, July 31, 2026, with an 11-2 victory over the visiting Texas Rangers. The win, Houston's ninth in its last 10 games, gave the Astros a half-game lead over their in-state rivals and clinched the season series.

Houston's offense erupted for a season-high 18 hits, with Yainer Diaz tying a career high with four hits, including a solo home run. Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning, while Yordan Álvarez reached base four times and drove in two runs. Jeremy Peña added three hits and three RBIs. The Astros built an early lead with a three-run second inning and never looked back, adding a four-run seventh to put the game out of reach.

Astros starter Hunter Brown earned the win, allowing two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi took the loss, tying a season high by surrendering six runs on 10 hits over five frames. Texas saw Corey Seager return to the lineup after missing nearly a month with lower back inflammation, finishing with two hits in the loss.

The result marked a significant shift in the division race, with Houston reclaiming...