Each night in the 2016 baseball season, we'll run down the top news, facts and highlights from action around Major League Baseball.
Major League Baseball in the state of Texas belongs to the Rangers.
MORE: After further review, Jose Reyes knocks cover off ball
The American League West-leading Rangers moved to 12-2 against the Astros this season with a powerful display of offense in a 10-8 win Friday at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
For the third consecutive game, Rougned Odor homered for the Rangers in a seven-run fourth inning. It's his team-leading 28th home run of the season. Carlos Beltran and Jonathan Lucroy also went deep for the Rangers in their sixth straight victory.
While the club almost squandered a seven-run lead, the Rangers called on closer Sam Dyson for his 31st save of the season and pushed their lead over the Astros to 9 1/2 games in the West.
Player of the day
Jon Lester, Cubs: The southpaw fired a complete game, holding the Giants to just one run on three hits including 6 2/3 no-hit innings in the 2-1 win.
Highlight
After missing the first five months of the season with a fractured elbow, Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock connected on his first home run since the injury.
Three things to know
— After four swipes by the Nationals, Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard has allowed 45 stolen bases this season, most by any pitcher since Hideo Nomo allowed 45 for the 2001 Red Sox.
— Sticking with the theme, Reds speedster Billy Hamilton has seven games with at least three stolen bases this season. That's the most since Rickey Henderson had 10 in 1988. By contrast, the Orioles, as a team, have just 15 stolen bases all year.
— Orioles slugger Pedro Alvarez connected on his 20th home run against the Yankees. Baltimore has six players with 20 or more homers this season, the first team to do so in 2016.
What's next
Yankees (69-64) at Orioles (73-61), 7:05 p.m. ET: A pair of sub-.500 pitchers square off looking to lead their squad to an important win in the race for a wild-card spot. Yankees veteran southpaw CC Sabathia (8-11, 4.31 ERA) takes on Kevin Gausman (6-10, 3.73), who is 5-1 with a 2.48 ERA at home this season.
Marlins (68-67) at Indians (77-56), 7:10 p.m. ET: Jose Fernandez (13-7, 2.79) has been hot lately, but hopes to end a road winless streak that dates to May as the Marlins take on Trevor Bauer (9-6, 3.73) and the Tribe. Fernandez has not allowed a run over his last 13 innings, with 15 strikeouts, but has just one win since July 23 and zero road wins since May 26 at Tampa Bay.