– by Adesina O. Koiki
A Lot of Sports Talk editor-in-chief
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Victor Caratini knew that his job tonight behind the plate got much tougher before Monday’s game, with one of the best starters in the American League a late scratch and the Houston Astros having to piece together the nine innings on the mound. Fortunately for Houston, Caratini’s job behind the plate was made a lot easier by Caratini’s work with the bat.
Caratini capped off Houston’s comeback with a three-run home run in the fifth inning as the Astros defeated the Texas Rangers 10-5 to win their second straight game and earn a split in the four-game series inside Globe Life Field. Yordan Alvarez homered for the second game in a row to support the Astros pitching staff, who held the Rangers scoreless for the final eight innings on a day when starter Framber Valdez was scratched from tonight’s start due to elbow soreness.
Despite Houston getting off to a much-needed 2-0 lead in the first, the Rangers jumped on Astros spot starter Blair Henley with five runs in the bottom of the frame. Henley, making his Major League debut, recorded just one out among the nine batters he faced before the bullpen took over.
Seth Martinez came on in relief of Henley and threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing the Astros offense to chip away at the early deficit.
“We just tried to attack the zone, attack the hitters as best as possible,” Caratini said. “Then after we tied and took the lead, our biggest goal was for all the pitchers that came in to throw the least amount of pitches as possible.”
*Editor’s note: Above the byline is the photo gallery from Sunday evening’s contest, with photos taken by ALOST staff photographer Ross James. After clicking on the first photo to enlarge the picture, make sure to press the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through the rest of the pictures. There are 38 pictures in total.
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