Astros awaken, blast Rangers in series opener
ARLINGTON — The Astros awoke Thursday. They punished an opposing ace with a power surge absent during this dismal offensive month. At long last, the homegrown trio atop the batting order appeared all in sync and swinging with authority, a must if they plan to return to Globe Life Field next month.
The Rangers’ new venue will host the World Series beginning Oct. 20. It’s a beautiful new ballpark with a spacious outfield and fast turf, and Texas opened the roof Thursday. At Minute Maid Park, players often complain that outdoor elements affect the baseball’s carry. The retractable roof stays closed more often than not, much to the Astros’ delight.
Nothing could hinder Houston’s approach Thursday. Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, George Springer and Josh Reddick finished with three hits apiece in a 12-4 win. In reducing their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to one, the Astros totaled 15 hits — their most since Aug. 19. The 12 runs matched their total from the past four games.
“All the guys that were struggling, some had big nights,” manager Dusty Baker said. “It was big to break out like that and to keep scoring. This is one of the few nights where we kept scoring.”
