Texas watched Merrill Kelly implode early as Houston built a 6-0 lead, forcing the Rangers to lean on a fragile late-September rotation. Kelly and Jack Leiter were outpitched by Astros arms as a late rally staggered but failed to tie it. Jonah Heim’s pinch-hit two-run homer sparked life, while Cody Freeman added a homer before a ninth-inning rally fell short and the tying run stranded. DeGrom vs Javier looms in Houston, a must-win for the Silver Boot bid and playoff hopes.