Rangers Defeat Astros

The Texas Rangers scored early and often as they defeated the Houston Astros 8-3 Monday night at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Texas got 3 runs in each of the first two innings, leading to an early departure by Astros pitcher J.A. Happ.  Rangers manager Ron Washington put things simply,  “We got pitches to hit, and we took advantage of it.  We put some runs on the board.”

Rangers pitcher Derek Holland went 7 1/3 innings, giving up just 3 runs for his 6th win of the season.

Texas batters got 12 hits on the night, led by Adrian Beltre’s 3-for-4 effort with 2 RBIs.  Mitch Moreland got his 9th home run of the year, a solo shot in the 8th inning.

The Rangers and Astros will continue with game 2 of the Lone Star Series tonight at the Ballpark.