The Texas Rangers snapped a two-game losing streak to the Houston Astros with an 8-0 rout on Sunday, May 17, 2026, as Jake Burger tied a career high with four RBIs and Nathan Eovaldi delivered seven strong innings of pitching. The victory marked a turning point for the Rangers, who had managed just one run while dropping the first two games of the series. The game, played at Minute Maid Park, showcased a dominant offensive explosion in the seventh inning and a bullpen that stifled the Astros for the third time this season.
Burger’s two-run homer in the fifth inning gave the Rangers their first lead of the series, and the offense never looked back. The Rangers broke the game open with a five-run seventh inning, with Burger, Kyle Higashioka, and Brandon Nimmo each contributing key hits. Higashioka’s solo homer in the ninth inning drove in a season-high three runs, capping off a night in which the Rangers’ bats finally clicked after a slow start.
Eovaldi (5-4) allowed just five hits and struck out eight batters in his return to the mound, despite being scratched from a start on Monday due to tightness on his left side. The Astros’ bullpen, led by Gavin Collyer, who threw two hitless innings, held firm as Houston was blanked for the third time this season. The Rangers’ bullpen combined for a dominant performance, with Collyer and Cody Bolton combining to keep the Astros off the board.
For Houston, starter Peter Lambert (2-4) struggled early, allowing no hits until the fifth inning, when Alejandro Osuna reached on an infield single. Lambert’s day ended after he hit Osuna with a pitch to load the bases, and he was replaced by Bolton. Lambert finished with three hits and five runs allowed in six-plus innings, despite recording six strikeouts. The Astros’ offense was completely silenced, as they managed just five hits all game.
Key Plays and Moments
The Rangers’ offense got off to a slow start, scoring just one run in the first four innings. However, Jake Burger’s two-run homer in the fifth inning gave them their first lead of the series. The game turned in the seventh inning, when Joc Pederson walked to lead off the inning, followed by a double from Ezequiel Duran that moved Pederson to third. Lambert then hit Osuna with a pitch, loading the bases and ending his day. Bolton entered and allowed Burger to double, scoring two runs. Higashioka’s single sent two more runs across, and Nimmo’s RBI double made it 7-0.
Nimmo also made a highlight-reel play in the fourth inning, robbing Yordan Alvarez of a home run with a leaping catch in right field. The Rangers’ bullpen combined for a dominant performance, with Collyer and Bolton keeping the Astros off the board in the late innings.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will look to continue their momentum with left-hander MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 4.50 ERA) set to start the opener of a three-game series at Colorado on Monday night. Meanwhile, Houston’s right-hander Tatsuya Imai (1-1, 9.24 ERA) will face Minnesota in the first of three games on Monday night.
Player Spotlight: Jake Burger and Kyle Higashioka
Jake Burger had a historic night at the plate, tying his career high with four RBIs and driving in runs in three different innings. His two-run homer in the fifth inning and his double in the seventh inning were the catalysts for the Rangers’ offensive explosion. Burger’s performance was a bright spot for a team that had struggled to find its rhythm early in the series.
Kyle Higashioka also had a standout game, driving in a season-high three runs with his solo homer in the ninth inning. Higashioka’s power and speed were on full display, as he contributed to the Rangers’ late-inning surge.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Rangers will look to build on this momentum as they head to Colorado for a three-game series. MacKenzie Gore will take the mound in the opener, looking to keep the Rangers’ winning streak alive. Meanwhile, Houston will look to regroup as they prepare to face Minnesota, with Tatsuya Imai set to start the series.
For fans of both teams, the next few days will be critical. The Rangers aim to extend their winning streak, while the Astros will look to bounce back from a tough loss and a bullpen that has struggled to contain opponents this season.
Follow along for updates on the Rangers’ series at Colorado and the Astros’ upcoming games at Minnesota. For the latest scores, stats, and schedules, visit the official MLB site or your preferred sports news outlet.
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