Josh Smith belted two home runs and drove in four RBIs to propel the Texas Rangers to a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Sunday. Smith’s first homer, a two-run blast in the opening inning, set the tone early in the game. 

He then delivered another pivotal home run with two outs in the eighth inning, extending the Rangers’ lead to 4-1. This impressive performance marked the first multi-homer game of the 26-year-old’s career.

Following a loss in the series opener on Friday, the Rangers bounced back to secure victories in the final two games. Nathaniel Lowe’s clutch RBI single in the 10th inning on Saturday contributed to their 2-1 win, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.

The defending champions, Houston Astros, have maintained a competitive edge, winning seven of their last ten games leading up to the All-Star break. Despite Jake Meyers’ solo home run in the third inning to narrow the gap, the Astros struggled, going 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Manager Joe Espada expressed frustration over missed opportunities, emphasizing the team’s need to capitalize on crucial moments in future games.

Looking ahead, both teams enter the All-Star break with the Rangers improving to a record of 46-50, positioning themselves third in the AL West. Manager Bruce Bochy commended his team’s strong finish to the series, acknowledging the importance of maintaining momentum for the remainder of the season.

Texas starter Max Scherzer allowed four hits and a run with six strikeouts in four-plus innings in his fifth start of the season.

“I’m just pleased at how I’m continuing to ramp up and how I continue to execute,” he said. “And my pitches I just feel like continue to get better every single time out. So this is a good team win and a good way to go into the break.”

Jon Singleton walked before a single by Jeremy Peña with no outs in the ninth. There was one out in the inning when Singleton scored on a groundout by Joey Loperfido to cut the lead to 4-2. Trey Cabbage grounded out to end it and give Kirby Yates his 16th save.

Ronel Blanco (9-4) permitted two hits and two runs with five strikeouts in six innings. He settled down after his tough first inning and retired the last 12 batters he faced.

Blanco has steadied a rotation decimated by injuries through the first half of the season and enters the break with a 2.56 ERA and leads the Astros in wins.

“He’s been huge for this team,” Espada said. “He’s been one of our stars in this first half and we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the job he’s done.”

Marcus Semien singled to start the game but was out at second when Corey Seager grounded into a foreceout. Smith gave the Rangers an early lead with his towering shot to the second deck to make it 2-0.

“That’s probable the best I’ve ever hit a ball,” Smith said. “That one felt really good.”