Gibson throws 4-hitter as Rangers edge Astros 1-0

HOUSTON (AP) — Kyle Gibson threw a four-hitter and Joey Gallo hit a ground-rule RBI double with two outs in the ninth inning to lift the Texas Rangers over the Houston Astros 1-0 on Wednesday night.

It was the first career shutout for the 32-year-old Gibson and third complete game — his previous one came in August 2016 with Minnesota against Atlanta.

Gibson (2-5) walked three and struck out a season-high nine to earn his first win since Aug. 15. He was 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA and eight homers allowed in his past five starts.

Gibson struggled to articulate what this performance meant to him after such a difficult stretch.

“It’s hard to put into words," he said. “So much over the past few weeks has gone into that right there. Lots of discussions, lots of work in the bullpen, talking with a lot of different people. All the while trying to make sure I keep that same confidence and never let one or two outings shake who I am on the mound.”

The victory snapped a seven-game road skid for the Rangers, who are 5-18 away from home this season.

Leody Taveras singled on a sharp grounder that first baseman Yuli Gurriel couldn’t scoop up to start the ninth and advanced to second on a groundout by Isiah Kiner-Falefa for the second out.

Gallo had two strikes when he connected off Ryan Pressly (1-3) for a line drive that bounced just inside the right field line to send Taveras home.

Gallo, who is batting just .188 this season, was glad he could get a run on the board to help Gibson get the win.

“For me, I just wanted to come through for the team," Gallo said. “I haven’t had the best at-bats, hit a few balls hard, but as a team, we just haven’t put anything together. I knew I had an opportunity with a guy on second.”

Gibson struck out Jose Altuve and Michael...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Gibson-throws-4-hitter-as-Rangers-edge-Astros-1-0-15573668.php