Justin Verlander improved to 12-4 on the season as he struck out 12 Friday night to help the Astros beat the Rangers, 4-3.
JV was strong through six innings allowing just two runs on eight hits. For the fourth time this season, Verlander struck out at least 11. Roberto Osuna recorded his 21st save of the season by pitching a scoreless 9th.
Yuli Gurriel continued his hot streak by blasting off for a solo shot in the second inning to put the Astros ahead early. In the third inning, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez went back-to-back-to-back with three consecutive home runs. Alvarez hit a 474 foot tank into the upper deck in right field that is the Astros' longest home run of the Statcast era which began in 2015.
Houston has recalled Jose Urquidy to start Saturday evening. With that move, Tyler White has been designated for assignment.