Gallo goes deep but Rangers struggle vs. Astros

Gallo's solo home run ARLINGTON -- Joey Gallo continued his mastery of the Astros' defensive shift Sunday but the rest of the Rangers lineup struggled heavily against dominant Houston pitching.

Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole and catcher Max Stassi were enough to get the Rangers out much of the time in an 8-2 rout that clinched Houston's third victory in the four-game, season-opening series.

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Cole tallied 11 strikeouts and scattered two hits, joining fellow Astros starters Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr. at 1-0.

Cole's terrific Astros debut "We get it -- they're really good," said Gallo, whose solo homer in the first off Cole was one of a few bright spots for the…