Rangers Shut Out Astros

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish was one batter away from a perfect game against the Astros Tuesday night in Houston.  After retiring 26 batters in a row, Darvish gave up a single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, ruining a perfect game, gaining a win as the Rangers drubbed Houston 7-0.

The Rangers have only had one perfect game in team history, thrown by Kenny Rogers in 1994.  Darvish struck out a career-high 14 batters, including 9 of the first 12 batters he faced.

Houston shortstop Marwin Gonzalez hit the single straight up the middle to end the Rangers perfect night and Texas manager Ron Washington immediatly pulled Darvish, who had a pitch count of 111.   Michael Kirkman came on in relief and gave up another Astros hit before striking out J.D. Martinez to end the game.

The Rangers found their offense late in the game, scoring two runs in each of the final three innings.  Shortstop Elvis Andrus and designated hitter Lance Berkman each went 3-for-4 in the game.  Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and Craig Gentry each had multiple hits for the Rangers, with Kinsler adding a 7th inning home run.

The Rangers and Astros conclude the 3-game series today with Alexi Ogando returning to the mound as a starter for Texas.