Texas Rangers

Rupe gets out of mess

Josh Rupe managed to get out of the sixth inning with no damage done. Two Astros were on with just one out before  Carlos Lee grounded out and Hunter Pence struck out to end the inning. Astros still lead 7-0 entering the seventh.

Millwood replaced after five

Kevin Millwood was replaced by Josh Rupe to start the the sixth inning.
Here's Millwood's line for the game:
5 innings
12 hits
7 ER
6 K

Silver boot on the line

The Astros are leading 7-0 in the sixth inning and appear poised to tie the season series with the Rangers at three wins apiece. The Rangers will win the Silver Boot on more runs scored, unless the Astros take tonight's lead up to 11-0. If that's the case the Silver Boot will go to the team with most runners advanced to the third base. If Houston win by 12 runs or more then the Astros take the Boot.

Rangers bats remain silent

Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez has kept the Rangers bats silent through five innings, allowing just one hit to Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood. The only other Ranger to reach base was Josh Hamilton after he was hit by a pitch. Hamilton left the game in the second to have his left hand x-rayed. Astros lead 7-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning.

X-rays coming for Hamilton

Josh Hamilton left the game because he was hit by a Wandy Rodriguez pitch in the first inning. He's having X-rays done on his left hand.

- Anthony Andro

Astros score four more in second

The Astros had five hits, including two that never left the infield, to score four runs and take a 7-0 lead after two innings. Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood remains in the game. He struck out Hunter Pence to end the inning.

Hamilton taken out in second

Josh Hamilton was pulled from the game in the bottom of the second inning. He was hit in the hand in his first at-bat and then had to run up the hill in center field to chase down a Hunter Pence triple. Hamilton missed Wednesday's game with left knee inflammtion. More details to come.

Pence puts Millwood in early hole

UT-Arlington grad Hunter Pence drove a bases-loaded triple to deep center for a three-run triple to give the Astros a 3-0 lead after the first inning.

Hamilton hit on the hand

Josh Hamilton was hit on the hand in the first inning but appeared okay taking first base. Astros manager Cecil Cooper appeared briefly to question whether the pitch had actually hit Hamilton's bat instead of his hand.

Hamilton and Bradley both starting

Josh Hamilton is back in center and Milton Bradley is in right. Chris Davis won't start today as the plan now is to use him against right-handers and the occasional lefty.

Here's the lineup

1. Ian Kinsler

2. Michael Young

3. Josh Hamilton

4. Milton Bradley

5. Marlon Byrd

6. Max Ramirez

7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia

8. German Duran

9. Kevin Millwood