Scott Feldman shuts out Texas Rangers

A complete game shutout by Scott Feldman helped the Houston Astros to a 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers Saturday night. Feldman’s second complete game of the year clinched the season series against his former team, bringing the Silver Boot Trophy back to Houston for the first time since 2006.

Allowing only three hits and one walk in the game, Feldman was locked up in a pitcher’s duel with Robbie Ross through the first five innings. Ross, called up from AAA to start for the injured Miles Mikolas, kept the Astros out of the hit column in the first five frames. The Rangers’ lefty struck out five and walked three but was on a pitch limit and left the game after tossing five no-hit innings.

Phil Klein came in to pitch for Texas in the sixth. Jose Altuve broke up the no-hitter with a double down the leftfield line but Klein was able to keep the shutout intact. But a leadoff walk and a throwing error by the Rangers’ reliever helped the Astros plate a pair of runs in the seventh.

Jake Marisnick‘s high chopper to the mound scored both Jesus Guzman and Carlos Corporan as Klein’s throw to first base was wild. The Astros tallied only four hits in the game, but that was plenty of support for Feldman.

Houston’s starter was in control from the outset. Feldman threw 77 of his 115 pitches for strikes. He had his sinker working and was getting some low strike calls from home plate umpire Sean Barber. That, coupled with a Rangers’ lineup that included the likes of Ryan Rua and Tomas Telis, created the perfect scenario for Scott to claim his eighth win of the season.

Not only did the victory claim the Silver Boot for Houston, it was the 82nd loss for Texas, insuring a losing record for the year and officially eliminating the Rangers from the race for the A.L. West crown. Having won two of the first three games in the series, the Astros send Dallas Keuchel to the mound in Sunday’s finale. Ron Washington counters with right-hander Nick Martinez.