Adolis' historic homer leads Rangers' rout

ARLINGTON -- Three big blasts led the way for the Rangers at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night.

In the second of a four-game set against the Astros, Texas launched home runs from Nathaniel Lowe, Adolis García and DJ Peters, all traveling 420 feet or more, on its way to an 8-1 win over Houston.

“It feels like when guys are hitting, it’s kind of a contagious thing,” García said. “So all the guys get a little bit more [confident]. It's a good thing that all the guys are all kind of hitting.”

García went 3-for-4 at the plate, with two doubles to go along with his 438-foot home run that extended the Rangers’ lead to four runs at the time. The home run was his 30th of the season, which tied Pete Incaviglia in 1986 for the Rangers' rookie home run record. Lowe’s only hit of the night was his first-inning homer, but he reached base twice via the walk.

García has mostly been focused on making the adjustments he needs at the plate to get back to hitting consistently. The 28-year-old hit 11 home runs in the month of May, which was his first full month in the big leagues this season, but he hasn’t reached double digits in any month since. He said it’s been a mental thing for him to build his confidence back up and help the team win.

“[García] got off to a great start obviously, but he’s had to make some adjustments along the way,” said Rangers manager Chris Woodward. “It's nice to see him have a game like tonight and hit his 30th homer. He can breathe a little bit. I know he's been pressing to get to that 30 mark. He just missed that one in the first inning, and I thought ‘OK, his swing is in a good place, hopefully he stays with it,’ and obviously, that worked.”

García now has seven home runs against the Astros this season, which are the most by a Texas batter in a single season against Houston. In eight games against the Astros at Globe Life Field, he's hit home runs in six of them.

Every time García seems to slip out of the conversation for the American League Rookie of the Year Award, he comes barreling back with another big homer or momentum-changing defensive play.

Tonight was the former, and Woodward said that’s just in his DNA to continue producing at all times, even when he is struggling. He never stops working on his defense or his baserunning, even as he works to improve at the plate.

“He loves to play, I think that's the biggest thing,” Woodward said. “He loves going out there every day, he brings the same intensity. He loves playing defense. ... He plays hard every game. He plays with the joy of flair, and he's not afraid of big moments. He actually embraces those moments and says, ‘I want to be the guy standing in the batter's box when the game's on the line.’”

Woodward said the numbers “speak for themselves” when it comes to García’s AL Rookie of the Year candidacy.

The only non-home run RBI hit came courtesy of a Nick Solak RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to score García.

Lost in all of the Rangers’ offensive power was a brilliant start from Jordan Lyles on the mound. The veteran right-hander tossed seven shutout innings against a potent Astros lineup. Lyles allowed just three hits while striking out seven for the win.

Woodward said it was Lyles’ best outing since he joined the club in 2020.

“He threw the ball really, really well today,” Woodward explained. “I just listened to this guy talk about the adjustments he needs to make and to see it in action against a team like this, it speaks volumes. He's got really good stuff right now and he made a really, really good lineup look kind of silly and [dominated them] for seven innings.”