Rangers Narrow AL Wild-Card Gap with 12-Inning Win Over Astros

The Houston Astros continue to lead the AL West but face growing challenges from the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners as the regular season nears its end. The Rangers recently edged the Astros 4-3 in 12 innings, with rookie Dustin Harris delivering the game-winning double, narrowing the gap to four games and intensifying the division race. Meanwhile, internal tensions surfaced in Houston after Framber Valdez unintentionally hit catcher César Salazar with a pitch following a grand slam, leading to a heated clubhouse confrontation that required coaching staff intervention. Despite these issues, Astros manager Joe Espada emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts and moving forward, as demonstrated by Salazar stepping up to deliver the lineup card in a recent game, symbolizing unity. The Astros have struggled since the All-Star break, posting a losing record that contrasts with the surging Rangers and the Mariners' persistent pursuit of the division title. The division battle remains tight, with Houston's recent adversity providing Seattle and Texas hope to overtake the division leader in the final 20 games.