HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve homered off Nathan Eovaldi in his first two at-bats and Cristian Javier pitched seven strong innings to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-5 win over the Texas Rangers on Sunday.
After dropping the series opener 12-8, the Astros have won back-to-back games following a 4-11 start that left them seven games under .500 for the first time since 2016. They improved to 4-3 against AL West rival Texas this season.
Javier (2-0) allowed five hits and two runs with five strikeouts to give Houston a second straight solid pitching performance after dismal outings by its starters in the previous three games.
Marcus Semien hit a three-run homer off Seth Martinez with two outs in the ninth to cut the lead to 8-5. Josh Hader struck out Corey Seager to end it.
It was the 11th multi-homer game for Altuve, and his seven career home runs off Eovaldi are his most against any pitcher.
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Messi the dog comes to Cannes for an encore
Assaults on law enforcement in the US reached a 10
Britain's police 'aren't interested' in tackling shoplifting anymore, Marks & Spencer's boss claims
Sale continues dominant run as Braves beat Padres 3
Baltimore bridge: Cargo ship that caused collapse had power blackout hours before leaving port
Air Force instructor pilot killed when ejection seat activated at Texas base
Mainland says flight route adjustment benefits both sides of Taiwan Strait
DR MARTIN SCURR: How losing your hearing may cause dementia
EPL says Everton still 'in discussions' with 777 as scrutiny ramps up on US firm
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Chinese premier urges Canton Fair to better serve opening up