ARLINGTON -- The Rangers opened the second half of the season with back-to-back wins over the Houston Astros, creating a very-possible opportunity to not only beat the American League West leaders, but sweep them.
Opportunity, missed.
On Sunday, a day after losing 7-6 in 11 innings, the Rangers fell behind early and could never catch up against Astros ace Justin Verlander, leading to a 12-4 loss and a series split.
“After the second game my mentality was to sweep them,” said Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus. “It was to win all four, especially since we’re in a race.