Battle Of Texas: Rangers Take Game 1

Yu Darvish was a vital piece in the Rangers' 6-2 victory, striking out 11 Astros' players. For the ever so horrible Astros...well at least they came to the ballpark on time.

Darvish (8-4, 3.57 ERA) tied his own personal record of 11 strikeouts in 8 innings on the mound Friday night. Thank goodness Rangers' manager Ron Washington gave Darvish the time off he needed, after his not so impressive performance in Oakland eight days ago.

Friday night was just another display of how potent the Rangers' offense really is. A bulk of that offense came in the bottom of the 5th inning as Michael Young started things off, singling to center field, scoring Ian Kinsler.

Adrian Beltre got into the mix, hitting a ball to left field, sending home Elvis Andrus. David Murphy wanted to have his say, singling to center field, plating both Michael Young and Elvis Andrus. It's not over, catcher Yorvit Torrealba got a hit, allowing Nelson Cruz to score, after Cruz got on the base paths via a walk.

Here's how everything went down for Houston:  shortstop Jed Lowrie singled to right allowing Jose Altuve to score in the top of the 2nd. Later Justin Maxwell, homered on the first pitch he saw in the top of the 7th.

Can the Astros offense do some damage tonight in Arlington, and turn their season around? Find out tonight at 6:15!