Springer and Maldonado homer, Astros beat Rangers 4-1

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer and Martín Maldonado homered, Alex Bregman hit a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning and the Houston Astros got a needed 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

The Astros, who are in second place in the AL West with the top two teams ensured a postseason spot, opened a six-game homestand after dropping 9 of 11 games on their recent road trip.

Their victory was tempered by an injury to shortstop Carlos Correa, who had to be helped off the field after fouling a ball off his left ankle or foot. There was no immediate update on Correa’s condition, but he was in significant pain. He put his arms around two people as he was helped off the field without putting any weight on his left leg.

Houston starter José Urquidy (1-1) allowed three hits and one run in seven innings for his first win in his third start of the season. He missed the first six weeks of the season after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Ryan Pressly allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save.

The game was tied with no outs in the seventh inning when Nick Goody (0-1) allowed a double to Maldonado before walking Springer and Jose Altuve to load the bases and end his night. Jonathan Hernández took over and Michael Brantley grounded into a force out that left Maldonado out at home.

Bregman then singled on a ball that dropped near the left field corner to send two runs home and put the Astros up 3-1. Altuve, who was activated from the injured list before the game after sitting out since Sept. 4 with a sprained right knee, looked speedy on the play, almost catching up to Springer as the two dashed home.

The Rangers managed just four hits, all singles, and fell to 4-18 on the road. They have lost seven straight road games, their longest such streak...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Springer-and-Maldonado-homer-Astros-beat-Rangers-15570417.php