Houston Closes Alt Season with Win

Hopefully for the last time, ever, the Texas Rangers closed out their Alternate Training Site exhibition schedule against the Houston Astros.  The Astros held the Rangers to a single hit and won by a score of 6-1.  The Rangers close the exhibition season with an overall record of 7-6-1, going 5-3-1 against the Astros. The ATL was created as means to keep minor league players at the ready while official play was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Texas’ only run came in the first inning, starting with a lead-off walk to Yonny Hernandez, a stolen second base, a Khris Davis single, and an RBI ground-out by Jason Martin. 

Houston responded in the second inning with a two-run home run by Colton Shaver, carrying with him C.J. Hinojosa.  Hinojosa claimed first base after being hit by a pitch. 

The Astros added their lead in the seventh inning.  A walk to Jake Meyers loaded the bases after back-to-back singles to Jose Siri and Hinojosa.  Shaver struck again with two-run double to the opposite field. 

Houston iced the game in the eighth inning, starting a Ronnie Dawson leadoff home run.   A double by Lorenzo Quintana and a run-scoring single by Hinojosa brought the score to 6-1. 

In a unique occurrence in ATS games, the both starting pitchers were awarded the decisions.  Brett Conine earned the win for Houston, allowing 1 run on 1 hit in 5 innings.  Conine struck-out 4 and walked 3 batter.  Sam Gaviglio endured the loss, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 5 innings.  Gaviglio struck-out 4 and yielded no walks. 

The Triple-A West season starts for the Ranger on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Dodgers.