Jake Burger Breaks Open Pitching Duel Late

Jake Burger helped the Rangers pull away after Peter Lambert and Nathan Eovaldi traded scoreless innings early.

Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images

May 17, 2026

Rangers 8, Astros 0

The Texas Rangers defeated the Houston Astros 8-0 on Sunday afternoon at Daikin Park after a late offensive surge broke open a tight pitching duel. Peter Lambert and Nathan Eovaldi controlled the game through six innings before Jake Burger helped power the Rangers’ breakout seventh inning.

The Rangers finished with seven hits as the Astros managed five. Burger recorded four RBI as Rangers pitching struck out 10 and prevented the Astros from generating timely offense throughout the afternoon.

Astros-Rangers Game Summary

Lambert opened the afternoon efficiently for the Astros by retiring the Rangers in order during the first inning. Eovaldi answered with a scoreless bottom half after Brice Matthews reached on a single.

The Rangers created an early opportunity during the second inning after Joc Pederson drew a walk. Lambert escaped the inning after Brice Matthews tracked down a shallow popup and Jake Burger struck out looking.

Nathan Eovaldi settled into rhythm through the middle innings and generated multiple swings-and-misses against the Astros lineup. Yordan Alvarez nearly gave the Astros an early lead during the fourth inning when Brandon Nimmo robbed a home run at the wall in right field.

Lambert matched Eovaldi throughout the opening six innings by consistently limiting hard contact. Christian Walker also stabilized the Astros defense at first base with multiple difficult scoops on throws across the diamond.

The Rangers finally broke through during the fifth inning. Alejandro Osuna reached on an infield single before Burger launched a two-run home run near the right-field foul pole to give the Rangers a 2-0 advantage.

The game shifted completely during the seventh inning. Joc Pederson walked before Ezequiel Duran lined a double into right field. Burger later delivered a two-RBI double off the glove of Braden Shewmake before Kyle Higashioka added a two-RBI single to center field. Brandon Nimmo followed with an RBI double to left field as the Rangers extended the lead to 7-0.

The Rangers added another run during the ninth inning after Higashioka launched a two-run home run into left field. Rangers pitching completed the scoreless victory during the bottom half of the inning.

What Went Right for the Astros

Peter Lambert Matched Nathan Eovaldi Early

Lambert controlled the strike zone through the opening six innings and kept the Astros within reach during most of the afternoon. The right-hander limited hard contact and repeatedly worked out of traffic before the seventh inning unraveled.

Astros Defense Prevented Additional Damage

Walker continued providing elite defense at first base with several difficult scoops across the infield. Brice Matthews and Nick Allen also converted multiple important outs during the middle innings.

Braden Shewmake Recorded the Astros’ Lone Extra-Base Hit

Shewmake lined a double into left field during the seventh inning for the Astros’ only extra-base hit. Zach Dezenzo also collected two singles during the loss.

What Went Wrong for the Astros

Seventh Inning Collapse

The Rangers entered the seventh inning with a two-run lead before generating multiple RBI hits with runners on base. The Astros allowed five runs during the inning after several walks and extra-base hits extended pressure.

Eovaldi Silenced the Astros Lineup

Eovaldi consistently attacked the Astros lineup with elevated fastballs and breaking pitches. The Astros recorded five hits and struck out multiple times during key scoring opportunities.

Missed Offensive Chances Continued

The Astros created limited traffic throughout the afternoon and failed to capitalize on the few opportunities available. Alvarez also lost a potential home run during the fourth inning after Nimmo made a leaping catch at the wall.

Quick Hits

Burger finished with four RBI after delivering a two-run home run and a two-run double.

Higashioka added three RBI, including a two-run home run during the ninth inning.

Lambert carried a scoreless outing into the fifth inning before Burger broke the tie with a two-run home run.

Walker continued leading major league first basemen in defensive scoops during another strong defensive performance.

Jose Altuve recently joined the injured list with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

Next Up

The Astros begin a road series Monday night against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Tatsuya Imai is expected to start for Houston against Twins left-hander Kody Rojas. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. Eastern.