Nimmo's 9th-Inning Single Lifts Rangers Past Astros 6-5

Decisive Moment

Jake Nimmo provided the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, singling to center field to score Andrew Heaney (listed as Langford in scoring log) and secure a 6-5 victory for the Texas Rangers over the Houston Astros. The win, which occurred at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Sunday, July 12, 2026, improved the Rangers' record to 49-47. The loss dropped the Astros to 47-51.

Early Astros Lead

Houston established an early advantage in the second inning. With runners in scoring position, Yordan Lopez singled to right field, allowing Alex Bregman (listed as Duran in scoring log) to score. The rally continued as Matt Olson (listed as Carter) reached third, and then Joc Pederson doubled to right, driving in both Lopez and Olson to make the score 3-0 in favor of the visitors.

The Rangers responded in the fourth inning when Jose Altuve homered to left-center field, measuring 387 feet. The blast cut the Astros' lead to 3-1.

Middle Innings and Tied Score

Texas took a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning when Adolis Garcia (listed as Jung) scored on a Nimmo triple to right field. The Astros answered in the seventh. With two outs, Yuli Gurriel (listed as Wade Jr.) scored on a sacrifice fly by Nathaniel Lowe (listed as Pena). The inning continued with the Astros tying the game at 4-4 when Alex Bregman (listed as Dezenzo) scored on a Paredes single to center, with Jose Alvarez reaching second.

Both teams added runs in the eighth inning. Josh Smith homered to left field for the Rangers, extending their lead to 5-4. Houston immediately responded with a home run of their own, as Kyle Tucker (listed as Higashioka) hit a 366-foot shot to left to tie the game at 5-5.

Pitching Performance

Josh Hader (3-1) took the loss for Houston after pitching 0.0 innings and allowing one run on three hits. Bryan King pitched 2.0 innings for the Astros, allowing one run on three hits. Cristian Javier started for Houston, throwing 3.0 innings with four hits, three earned runs, three walks, and four strikeouts.

Jacob Latz (2-1) earned the win for Texas, pitching the final 1.0 inning with one hit and one walk. Ben Peoples pitched the eighth inning, allowing one run on one hit. Robby Ahlstrom and Cole Winn each pitched portions of the game, with Winn recording his eighth hold. Peyton Gray took the blow, allowing one run on one hit in 0.2 innings. MacKenzie Gore started for the Rangers, throwing 4.0 innings with two hits, one earned run, one walk, and four strikeouts.

Tyler Alexander pitched 1.1 innings for Texas, allowing no runs on one hit with two strikeouts.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816137