Wed Sep 17 01:20:00 UTC 2025: **Astros Rookie Zach Cole Powers Houston Past Rangers in Series Opener**
**HOUSTON** – Zach Cole, just four games into his Major League career, is already making a huge impact for the Houston Astros. Called into action after Yordan Alvarez suffered an ankle injury in the first inning, Cole delivered a go-ahead two-run home run and an RBI single, leading the Astros to a 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Daikin Park.
Alvarez sprained his left ankle while scoring the first run of the game. In the fifth inning, facing Rangers starter Jack Leiter, Cole blasted a two-out fastball to right field to put the Astros ahead. The win is crucial for Houston, moving them within a half-game of the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners and extending their lead over the Rangers and the Guardians to three games in the Wild Card race.
“That was a fastball well-executed,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of the pitch Cole hammered. “Leiter put that pitch where he wanted to, and this kid just put an ‘A’ swing on it. He continues to do things that show he’s well prepared. The stage is not fazing him. And I’ve got to give him credit, because we’re in the middle of a race, and this kid is showing up.”
Cole’s performance wasn’t the only factor in the Astros’ win. A key defensive play by Jesús Sánchez, who threw out Jonah Heim at home plate in the seventh inning, preserved Houston’s lead. Jeremy Peña also contributed with two hits and three runs, later saying “Should have called him up sooner” on Cole’s performance.
Following Cole’s RBI single in the seventh, which increased the Astros’ lead to 6-3, he received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he took his position in right field. The Astros and Rangers will continue their series at Daikin Park, with the Astros hoping to build on their momentum as they push for a division title and a playoff spot.
First Piper 