Tim Fletcher: Rangers and Astros Rolling Into Battle

Josh Hamilton's sixth-inning two-run homer was all the offense the Rangers needed to get past the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, 2-1 Sunday. Martin Perez gave up just two hits in 8.1 innings to claim his first win since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2014.

The Rangers close out a 10-game homestand with a series against their Lone Star American League West brothers in Houston.  The Astros come into the game red-hot.  Houston knocked off Arizona, 4-1 Sunday and now lead the Angels by 4 games and Texas by 8 games.

Collin McHugh turned in 7.0 innings of solid work to pick up his 13th win to match teammate Dallas Keuchel for the A.L. lead.  Since August 1, 2014, McHugh is 20-5.  His offensive support came largely from newcomer Carlos Gomez, whose two-run single in the fourth inning broke a 1-1 tie.