Texas drops a pivotal series opener in Houston as the Astros seize early control with a six-run burst and the Rangers’ late push falls short. Blubaugh’s bullpen-game start stymies Texas early while Merrill Kelly labors through three frames. Cody Freeman’s homer sparks a comeback, Heim’s pinch-hit two-run shot in the eighth fuels a late rally, and García’s first-pitch RBI single keeps the chase alive. Edwards Jr. provides veteran bullpen depth, but Bochy remains wary of García’s health as the Wild Card race tightens.