Rangers 10, Astros 7: Pederson Caps Eight-Run First a Day After No-Hitter

The lead

May 26, 2026 - Arlington - Joc Pederson hit a three-run homer to cap an eight-run first inning, and the Texas Rangers beat the Houston Astros 10-7 at Globe Life Field—one night after Houston's combined no-hitter, per the Associated Press recap on CBS Sports.

Evan Carter went 3-for-4 with a two-run triple and a solo homer for 13 hitting FP in AthX Engine scoring.

How the game turned

Brandon Nimmo's single started the rally. Jake Burger drove in two, Carter tripled past Christian Walker for two more, and Ezequiel Duran doubled home Carter. Pederson's three-run shot made it 8-0 before the first out.

Yordan Alvarez's three-run homer in the third cut the deficit to 8-3, and Carter answered with a solo shot for 9-3. Alvarez homered again in the ninth, but Jack Leiter (2-4) held on for the win.

Pitching and matchup notes

Josh Alexander (1-1) allowed seven runs over six innings but retired his final 12 batters after Carter's third-inning homer. Leiter worked the final 2⅓ for his second win.

AthX Engine graded Texas at 16 team FP with Alvarez at 12 hitting FP in the loss.

Bats that changed the board

Carter finished with three RBI and two runs. Alvarez had two homers and five RBI for Houston. The Rangers bounced back immediately after being no-hit Monday.

AthX Engine fantasy angle

An eight-run first rewards AthX Engine early bats—Carter's 13 hitting FP paced Texas even as the bullpen gave back ground late. Daily scoring remains separate from dynamic pricing.

What comes next

The AL West rivals met again Wednesday with Jacob deGrom on the mound for Texas, per AP probables.

*Sources: MLB.com schedule, CBS Sports recap, AthX Engine scoring. Information only; not financial advice.*