Thu Sep 18 00:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

The Houston Astros narrowly defeated the Texas Rangers 6-5 in a tense game. Houston built a 6-0 lead but almost lost it as the Rangers mounted a late-inning comeback. Jeremy Peña starred with a 3-for-3 performance, while Jose Altuve drove in two runs. Bryan Abreu secured a four-out save, striking out Kyle Higashioka to end the game. Houston remains a half-game behind Seattle for the AL West lead and moves a half-game ahead of Boston for the second AL Wild Card spot. The Rangers, losers of three straight, are 3 1/2 games out of the playoffs.

**News Article:**

**Astros Hold Off Rangers Comeback, Tighten AL West Race**

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros survived a late-inning scare to defeat the Texas Rangers 6-5 on Tuesday night, keeping pace with the Seattle Mariners in the American League West and solidifying their Wild Card position.

Jeremy Peña led the charge for Houston, going 3-for-3 with a walk and scoring twice. Jose Altuve contributed with two RBIs, helping the Astros build an early 6-0 lead. Jesús Sánchez also added a two-run single.

Houston starter AJ Blubaugh pitched three scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts, followed by Colton Gordon who earned the win allowing just 2 hits and 1 run through 3 innings. However, the Rangers began to chip away at the lead in the late innings. A solo home run by Cody Freeman in the fifth started the rally, and a pinch-hit home run by Jonah Heim in the eighth made it a three-run game. RBI doubles by Josh Jung and a run-scoring single by Adolis Garcia further narrowed the gap, putting pressure on the Astros’ bullpen.

Bryan Abreu entered in the eighth and, despite allowing a run, managed to shut the door. After Josh Smith singled to lead off the 9th and Heim singled with two outs, Abreu struck out Kyle Higashioka for a crucial four-out save, preserving the victory.

The Astros (X-X) now sit just a half-game behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West standings. The loss puts the Rangers (X-X) 3 1/2 games behind Boston for the final AL Wild Card spot with only 10 games remaining.

The series concludes Wednesday night with Jacob deGrom facing Cristian Javier.

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