Rangers vs. Astros final score, results: Texas mashes way to first World Series berth since 2011

Dan Treacy

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Rangers vs. Astros final score, results: Texas mashes way to first World Series berth since 2011 image

The Rangers' Game 5 loss on Friday evoked memories of their collapse in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. Their Game 7 win on Monday might be the best evidence that this Texas team is different.

The Rangers mashed their way to the World Series in Houston, soundly defeating the Astros 11-4 after piling on eight runs in the first four innings. Texas pounced on Astros starter Cristian Javier, putting three runs on the board and knocking him out of the game after a third of an inning.

Houston's bullpen is strong, but the risk of a bullpen game is just one pitcher being off his game. That pitcher was J.P. France on Monday. France allowed four earned runs in the fourth inning, letting the Rangers turn a two-run game into a six-run game.

The Astros have fought back on the biggest stage numerous times over the last seven years, but this deficit wasn't manageable for the reigning champions.

FAGAN: Rangers' emphatic Game 7 win gives them shot at elusive first title

The Rangers are World Series-bound for the first time since their 2011 meltdown, when they come up short in the Fall Classic for the second consecutive year.

This Texas team is a blend of new and old. Adolis Garcia, Josh Jung and Evan Carter are among players making their presence felt in the postseason for the first time. Manager Bruce Bochy, on the other hand, is attempting to win his fourth championship, while Max Scherzer and Corey Seager have both lit up the World Series with other teams.

If the Rangers handle business against either the Phillies or Diamondbacks, however, there will be new blood hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy. Texas has never won the World Series, but that narrative can be put to rest with four more wins.

MORE: How Creed songs became unofficial Rangers soundtrack

For the Astros, losing back-to-back games at home with a chance to clinch is an all too familiar sight. Houston went back to Minute Maid Park in 2019 with a 3-2 World Series lead over the Nationals and never got to celebrate. The home team never won a game in that series, and history repeated itself in this ALCS with the road team taking all seven games.

Whether the Astros can get back to an eighth consecutive ALCS and beyond will be one of baseball's burning questions in 2024. For now, though, the Texas Rangers will represent the American League. 

Game 1 of the 2023 World Series will be played at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Friday night.

The Sporting News tracked live scores and highlights from Game 7 of the 2023 ALCS. Check out all of the key moments you might have missed from the Rangers' win.

Rangers vs. Astros score

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 F
Rangers 3 0 1 4 0 2 0 1 0 11
Astros 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4

Rangers vs. Astros live updates, highlights from ALCS Game 7

(All times Eastern)

Final: Rangers 11, Astros 4

11:27 p.m. — Tucker grounds out, and the Rangers are going to the World Series for the first time since 2011! They win all four road games in Houston and have knocked off the defending champions. The path a championship runs through Arlington, Texas.

11:25 p.m. — Brantley flies out, and the Rangers are now one out away.

11:22 p.m. — Leclerc gets the first out. Two outs away.

Astros 11, Rangers 4

11:18 p.m. HOME RUN — How about that? Jose Altuve adds one more home run to his ridiculous postseason total and trims the Astros' deficit to seven.

11:17 p.m. — Jose Leclerc is on for the Rangers to close it out.

11:15 p.m. — Seager flies out on a hard-hit ball, and Texas will go to work looking for three more outs to reach the World Series.

11:12 p.m. — Marcus Semien hits a two-out single to keep the Rangers at the plate. 

11:06 p.m. — Garcia handles some hard-hit balls in right field, and the Rangers end the inning unscathed. Texas is three outs away. To the ninth we go.

11:03 p.m. — Chapman hits Chas McCormick, who limps to first base and gives Houston another baserunner. That was 104 MPH. 

11:00 p.m. — Tucker hits a one-out single off of Chapman as the Astros try to work a miracle in the 8th.

10:55 p.m. — Urquidy works around a pinch-hit single by Travis Jankowski, but it doesn't mean much for the Astros at this point. Five of Houston's seven pitchers tonight have allowed a run.

Rangers 11, Astros 3

10:50 p.m. HOME RUN — There goes that man! Adolis Garcia hits his second home run of the night, fifth home run in the last four games, and assumes ownership of the Astros. Rangers lead, 11-3.

10:46 p.m. — Abreu grounds out, ending any chance of a crooked number in the 7th.

Rangers 10, Astros 3

10:45 p.m. — Yordan Alvarez still can't be contained. He singles Bregman home, cutting the Astros' deficit to 10-3.

10:40 p.m. — Bregman gets the better of Sborz and hits a two-out double into the gap. Aroldis Chapman is getting ready to come in. This is a much lower-leverage situation than Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS in this same building. 

10:36 p.m. — Sborz stays on for the Rangers, facing Pena followed by the top of the order.

10:33 p.m. — Seager is retired for the first time as he flies out. Jose Urquidy works a rapid inning to set down the Rangers one, two, three.

10:28 p.m. — The Astros go down one, two, three against Josh Sborz. The Rangers are nine outs away.

10:24 p.m. — Kyle Tucker finally gets ahold of one, but he only hits it to the warning track for a flyout.

10:21 p.m. — The inning ends, but the Rangers will gladly take the two runs to pad their commanding lead.

Rangers 10, Astros 2

10:19 p.m. 2-RUN HOME RUN — That might do it for the Astros. Nathaniel Lowe hits a home run into the first two rows in right field and puts Texas up 10-2. The Rangers are getting closer to their first World Series appearance since 2011.

10:18 p.m. — Heim strikes out for the second out of the inning.

10:15 p.m. — Bryan Abreu finally retires Garcia, but he hits Mitch Garver in the ribs immediately after. Garver is in some pain.

10:10 p.m. — Montgomery brings the inning to a quick end after an Abreu flyout and a Brantley groundout. He's been excellent for the Rangers in this postseason. Texas is 12 outs away.

10:07 p.m. — You can't keep Yordan Alvarez down. He hits a one-out single off Montgomery.

10:05 p.m. — Montgomery remains in and quickly gets Bregman to ground out.

10:02 p.m. — Neris makes quick work of Carter, so the Astros hold the Rangers scoreless for only the second time tonight.

10:01 p.m. — Seager works a two-out walk with Neris on the mound.

9:59 p.m. — Semien pops out after a Taveras strikeout.

9:54 p.m. — Altuve flies out in what feels like a massive missed opportunity for the Rangers. It's 8-2, Texas, through four.

9:52 p.m. — Maldonado flies out for the second out of the inning. Jose Altuve is coming to the plate.

9:51 p.m. — Pena follows up McCormick's hit with a single of his own. The Astros have something brewing, and Andrew Heaney is warming up.

9:49 p.m. — McCormick lines a one-out single off of Montgomery.

9:47 p.m. — Montgomery stays in for the Rangers after the long layoff between innings. It'll be interesting to see how long Bruce Bochy lets him go with the big lead. Game 1 of the World Series is Friday.

9:42 p.m. — Jeremy Pena just barely is able to turn a Josh Jung ground ball into an out. That saves the Astros from falling into an even deeper deficit. It's 8-2, Rangers, heading into the bottom of the fourth.

9:36 p.m. — It initially looked like the inning ended on a ground ball by Heim, but umpires determine it was foul and Heim keeps the inning alive with a single. J.P. France is done. Hector Neris is coming in with the Astros down by six.

Rangers 8, Astros 2

9:32 p.m. 2-RUN SINGLE — The Rangers are pouring it on! Garcia stays red hot and singles in two more runs to give Texas a commanding 8-2 lead. The Astros' season is suddenly on the ropes.

Rangers 6, Astros 2

9:31 p.m. 2-RUN DOUBLE — Carter lines a double to score two runs! The Rangers have broken this game open and have a 6-2 lead. Adolis Garcia has a chance to turn this game into a blowout.

9:30 p.m. — Everyone's safe after a Seager ground ball isn't reined in. Bases loaded for the Astros.

9:28 p.m. — Now Semien works a walk, so France has worked himself into a situation here with runners on first and second with one out. Here's Corey Seager.

9:26 p.m. — France works his way back from a 2-0 count to strike out Leody Taveras.

9:24 p.m. — Josh Jung welcomes France with a single after a 3-0 count quickly turned into a 3-2 count.

9:23 p.m. — J.P. France and his mustache are now pitching for the Astros.

9:20 p.m. — Brantley hits a sharp line drive, but it finds Seager instantly. Montgomery gets the job done and holds the Astros to a run.

9:16 p.m. — Abreu hits a chopper for the second out, keeping Alvarez at third. Bruce Bochy makes the call after 44 pitches: Max Scherzer is done. And guess who's coming in? Jordan Montgomery, on short rest.

9:14 p.m. — Yordan Alvarez somehow hits a pitch off the plate off the wall for a triple. Evan Carter came very close to snagging it, but now Houston has Alvarez 90 feet from the plate.

Rangers 4, Astros 2

9:10 p.m. HOME RUN — Bregman crushes one to cut the Astros' deficit right back to two! It's 4-2, Texas.

9:08 p.m. — Altuve quickly grounds out to open the inning. 

9:05 p.m. — Nathaniel Lowe strikes out looking, ending an inning that started with a bomb from Garcia.

9:03 p.m. — Heim grounds out to Altuve for the second out of the inning. Home run aside, Brown has held his own so far. He was a mess late in the season, which cost him any hope of entering the postseason rotation.

9:00 p.m. — Brown strikes out Garver for the first out of the inning.

Rangers 4, Astros 1

8:58 p.m. HOME RUN — Who else but Adolis Garcia? The Astros killer himself slashes a solo home run to right and gives the Rangers a three-run lead.

8:53 p.m. — Maldonado strikes out, stranding McCormick. Scherzer settles in and works around the walk.

8:51 p.m. — Scherzer strikes out Jeremy Pena after McCormick steals second base. Martin Maldonado has a runner in scoring position with two outs.

8:49 p.m. — Chas McCormick works a one-out walk.

8:47 p.m. — The struggling Kyle Tucker flies out to open the bottom of the second.

8:43 p.m. — Carter grounds out to end the inning. Texas could use a shutdown inning from Scherzer here.

8:42 p.m. — Seager is hitting like someone who has a World Series MVP under his belt. He hits a two-out double to give Evan Carter a runner in scoring position.

8:40 p.m. — Semien flies out for the second out.

8:39 p.m. — Leody Taveras with a hard groundout up the middle for the first out of the inning.

8:38 p.m. — The decision to go to Brown is an interesting one for Dusty Baker. The rookie struggled mightily down the stretch, but he got through three scoreless relief innings earlier in the series despite giving up some hard contact. 

8:35 p.m. — Scherzer induces a double play off the bat of Brantley, so the inning ends without a crooked number for the Astros. Hunter Brown is coming in to give the 'Stros what they hope will be multiple innings.

Rangers 3, Astros 1

8:34 p.m. RBI SINGLE — Abreu lines an RBI single down the left field line, and just like that the Astros have cut into the Rangers' lead.

8:33 p.m. — The Rangers intentionally walk Alvarez after Scherzer falls behind in the count. Jose Abreu is at the plate as the tying run.

8:32 p.m. — Bregman grounds out for Scherzer's first out of the night. Here comes Yordan Alvarez.

8:29 p.m. — Jose Altuve greets Scherzer with a screaming double off the left field wall. He actually knocked a panel out of the wall.

8:26 p.m. — And now Maton strikes out Josh Jung to end the inning. A long, successful first inning for the Rangers, but it certainly could've been worse for Houston. 

8:24 p.m. — Maton gets a huge strikeout of Nathaniel Lowe for the second out of the inning.

8:20 p.m. — Jonah Heim singles to left, setting up first and third for the Rangers with one out. That's it for Cristian Javier. He lasts a third of an inning. Phil Maton is coming into the game trying to keep Houston's deficit at three.

Rangers 3, Astros 0

8:17 p.m. RBI DOUBLE — Wow, nobody read that ball well off of Mitch Garver's bat. Michael Brantley's diving attempt comes up short, and Garcia scores after stealing second. Phil Maton is warming up for the Astros, who are already on the ropes.

Rangers 2, Astros 0

8:14 p.m. RBI SINGLE — Garcia launches a ball off the left field wall and admires it as if it was a home run. It wasn't, but Carter scores and gives the Rangers their second run of the inning. You think Garcia likes October?

8:13 p.m. — Garcia swings and misses on a good pitch to hit, but it works in his favor: Carter is able to steal second base. Garcia remains at the plate.

8:11 p.m. — Control issues have hurt Javier this year, and they're popping up early tonight. Evan Carter works a walk to bring up Adolis Garcia, who hears his share of boos. 

Rangers 1, Astros 0

8:09 p.m. HOME RUN — Corey Seager hits a mammoth home run off of Javier! It's 1-0 Rangers with one swing of the bat.

8:07 p.m. — Marcus Semien starts the game with a soft groundout.

8:05 p.m. — Cristian Javier had an uncharacteristic season, with his strikeout rate tanking, but he's been much better in October. We're about to find out which Javier is on the mound tonight.

7:57 p.m. — All eyes are on Max Scherzer, who has been here before but didn't look totally comfortable in his first start off the IL last week. Can his lineup spot him any runs before he takes the mound? We'll find out in minutes.

7:40 p.m. — It doesn't look like the winner of tonight's Game 7 will know its World Series opponent tonight. The Diamondbacks are six outs away from forcing an NLCS Game 7 in Philadelphia.

7:19 p.m. — In case you missed it, Astros reliever Bryan Abreu had his two-game suspension upheld, but it won't be served until the start of the 2024 season. He'll be available again tonight.

7:15 p.m. — What wins: Experience or inexperience? Of course, some Rangers have been here before. Corey Seager won a World Series MVP, and Max Scherzer has pitched in a Game 7 of the World Series. But there's no matching the big-game experience of Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. 

6:55 p.m. — This is the Astros' third ALCS Game 7 in this dynasty. They reached the World Series for the first time since moving to the AL when they beat the Yankees in 2017, but they fell to the Rays at a neutral site in 2020.

6:30 p.m. — Per Rangers GM Chris Young, Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery are the only Texas pitchers off limits tonight. It's all hands on deck for the rest of the staff.

4:20 p.m. — Interesting managerial trends around this one. Bruce Bochy has never lost a Game 7 as a manager, and Dusty Baker has never won one:

4:05 p.m. — Plenty of pressure-tested veterans in Houston's Game 7 lineup. Here's how Dusty Baker set things up for tonight: 

3:30 p.m. — The Rangers' Game 7 lineup is out. The only change is star rookie Evan Carter is back in the third spot after giving way to Robbie Grossman to start Game 6 against lefty Framber Valdez.  

1:40 p.m.: —A look at the Astros' history in Game 7s entering tonight via MLB.com's Brian McTaggart: 

1:21 p.m. — Temperatures will be in the upper 70s during tonight's Game 7, but the Minute Maid Park roof will be closed. That may be a concession to the winds, which are expected to be between 12 and 15 mph throughout. 

Rangers vs. Astros start time

  • Date: Monday, Oct. 23
  • First pitch: 8:03 p.m. ET (7:03 p.m. CT)
  • Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston

First pitch for decisive Game 7 of the ALCS is set for 8:03 p.m. ET from Minute Maid Park in Houston.

MORE: Why Astros reliever Bryan Abreu is allowed to pitch after suspension

What channel is Rangers vs. Astros on today?

  • Channel: Fox (U.S.) | Sportsnet (Canada)
  • Live stream: Fox Sports app, Fubo (U.S.) | Sportsnet NOW (Canada)

Fox will carry ALCS Game 7 between the Rangers and Astros. Joe Davis will be handling play-by-play, while John Smoltz will provide commentary. Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci will be reporting from the dugouts.

For those who have cut the cord on cable, fans can find the game on the Fox Sports app or with Fubo, which offers a free trial. Canadian viewers can find the game on Sportsnet or on Sportsnet NOW.

 

MLB playoff schedule, results

(All times Eastern)

American League

Wild Card

Date Result
Oct. 3 Rangers 4, Rays 0
Oct. 3 Twins 3, Blue Jays 1
Oct. 4 Rangers 7, Rays 1
Oct. 4 Twins 2, Blue Jays 0

Division Series

Date Result
Oct. 7 TEX 3, BAL 2 (TEX, 1-0)
Oct. 7 HOU 6, MIN 4 (HOU, 1-0)
Oct. 8 TEX 11, BAL 8 (TEX, 2-0)
Oct. 8 MIN 6, HOU 2 (Tied, 1-1)
Oct. 10 HOU 9, MIN 1 (HOU, 2-1)
Oct. 10 TEX 7, BAL 1 (TEX wins 3-0)
Oct. 11 HOU 3, MIN 2 (HOU wins, 3-1)

Championship Series

Date Matchup Start time (ET) TV channel Result
Oct. 15 Rangers at Astros 8:15 p.m. Fox TEX 2, HOU 0 (TEX, 1-0)
Oct. 16 Rangers at Astros 4:37 p.m. Fox or F TEX 5, HOU 4 (TEX, 2-0)
Oct. 18 Astros at Rangers 8:03 p.m. FS1 HOU 8, TEX 5 (TEX, 2-1)
Oct. 19 Astros at Rangers 8:03 p.m. FS1 HOU 10, TEX 3 (TIE, 2-2)
Oct. 20 Astros at Rangers* 7:07 p.m. FS1 HOU 5, TEX 4 (HOU, 3-2)
Oct. 22 Rangers at Astros* 8:03 p.m. FS1 TEX 9, HOU 2 (TIED, 3-3)
Oct. 23 Rangers at Astros* 8:03 p.m. Fox or FS1 --

*If necessary

National League

Wild card series

Date Result
Oct. 3 Diamondbacks 6, Brewers 3
Oct. 3 Phillies 3, Marlins 1
Oct. 4 Diamondbacks 5, Brewers 2
Oct. 4 Phillies 7, Marlins 1

Division Series

Date Result
Oct. 7 PHI 3, ATL 0 (PHI, 1-0)
Oct. 7 ARI 11, LAD 2 (ARI, 1-0)
Oct. 9 ATL 5, PHI 4 (Tied 1-1)
Oct. 9 ARI 4, LAD 2 (ARI, 2-0)
Oct. 11 PHI 10, ATL 2 (PHI, 2-1)
Oct. 11 ARI 4, LAD 2 (ARI wins, 3-0)
Oct. 12 PHI 3, ATL 1 (PHI wins, 3-1)

Championship Series

Date Matchup Start time (ET) TV channel Result
Oct. 16 Diamondbacks at Phillies 8:07 p.m. TBS PHI 5, ARI 3 (PHI, 1-0)
Oct. 17 Diamondbacks at Phillies 8:07 p.m. TBS PHI 10, ARI 0 (PHI, 2-0)
Oct. 19 Phillies at Diamondbacks 5:07 p.m. TBS ARI 2, PHI 1 (PHI, 2-1)
Oct. 20 Phillies at Diamondbacks 8:07 p.m. TBS ARI 6, PHI 5 (Tied 2-2)
Oct. 21 Phillies at Diamondbacks 8:07 p.m. TBS PHI 6, ARI 1 (PHI, 3-2)
Oct. 23 Diamondbacks at Phillies 5:07 p.m. TBS --
Oct. 24 Diamondbacks at Phillies* 8:07 p.m. TBS --

*If necessary

World Series schedule

Date Matchup Start time (ET) TV channel Result
Oct. 27 League Champ 2 at League Champ 1 TBD Fox --
Oct. 28 League Champ 2 at League Champ 1 TBD Fox --
Oct. 30 League Champ 1 at League Champ 2 TBD Fox --
Oct. 31 League Champ 1 at League Champ 2 TBD Fox --
Nov. 1 League Champ 1 at League Champ 2* TBD Fox --
Nov. 3 League Champ 2 at League Champ 1* TBD Fox --
Nov. 4 League Champ 2 at League Champ 1* TBD Fox --

*If necessary

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.