Watch: Rangers oust Astros' Valdez early with five-run outburst

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts in the second inning against the Texas Rangers during Game 2 of the ALCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Rangers oust Astros' Framber Valdez early with five-run outburst

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/16/23

The Rangers took little time building on their 1-0 lead in the ALCS during Game 2, scoring four runs during the top of the first inning against Astros pitcher Framber Valdez.

The first five Rangers batters reached base, and they scored their first run on a throwing error by Valdez after Robbie Grossman hit the ball back to the mound.

Texas had five hits in the inning, all singles. Marcus Semien and Corey Seager started the hit parade before Grossman drove in the game's first run.

Adolis Garcia and Mitch Garver added base hits immediately afterward, giving Texas a 3-0 lead before recording its first out.

The @Rangers are on the board first after a throwing error by Framber Valdez

: FOX/FS1 pic.twitter.com/ttfbOlAliL
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2023

8 pitches in and the @Rangers lead 2-0. pic.twitter.com/4EvILrDsKM
— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2023

The @Rangers add another run in the first and still haven't recorded an out

: FOX/FS1 pic.twitter.com/1R6uBXQExk
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2023

It's 4-0 Rangers in the first! WOW!

: FOX/FS1 pic.twitter.com/uwHiGRig2D
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2023

In the top of the third, Jonah Heim blasted a solo home run, pushing the lead back to four after a Yordan Alvarez home run in the bottom of the second made it a three-run game.

NO-DOUBTER

Jonah Heim goes yard!

: FOX/FS1 pic.twitter.com/0GC2iA8Ex6
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2023

Valdez was pulled three batters later following a walk, ending Game 2 having pitched 2.2 innings and allowing five runs (four earned). Considering the unearned run came on a miscue by Valdez, it's the rare instance where the pitcher should still be credited with a run scoring on an error.

His disappointing outing is his second consecutive during the postseason. Valdez also started in Game of the ALDS, a 6-2 win for the Twins.

Following his short performance against the Rangers, Valdez has pitched seven innings during the playoffs and allowed 10 runs (nine earned), 14 hits and four walks while striking out 11 batters.

Houston needed more from Valdez after he was one of the team's best starters during the regular season and will require its bullpen to stop the bleeding if it wants to get back in Game 2.

Astros bats have been quiet through the first 13 innings of the ALCS; Houston can't afford to fall behind further.

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