Rangers Rookie Jack Leiter Loses No-Hit Bid vs Astros

Texas Rangers rookie right-hander Jack Leiter delivered a strong pitching performance against the Houston Astros, throwing seven innings with four strikeouts and only two walks, while allowing a home run in the seventh inning. Leiter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft and son of former pitcher Al Leiter, mixed fastballs and sliders, with his fastball reaching nearly 99 mph. This outing marked Leiter's 13th career start and came as part of the Rangers' push to clinch a series win against the Astros, with Texas leading the series 2-1. The Rangers had won seven of their last eight games heading into the finale, supported by solid offense and pitching, while the Astros struggled offensively throughout the series. Leiter was coming off his first career quality start against the Colorado Rockies, where he pitched six innings, allowing one run and striking out five, showing improved command and poise. Astros veteran Framber Valdez, who started against Leiter, had been effective but inconsistent in 2024, emphasizing pitch location as a key focus moving forward.