Hamels’ 10th straight win a true team effort

ARLINGTON — Rougned Odor hit a two-run home run in the second inning and the Rangers, behind the pitching of Cole Hamels and three relievers, were able to make the early lead stand up in a 2-1 victory over the Astros on Wednesday night.

Hamels has now won 10 straight decisions, the longest winning streak of his career and third longest in Rangers history. Bobby Witt holds the record, with a 12-game winning streak in 1990, and Ferguson Jenkins won 11 in a row in 1978-79.

“It’s big to have it for the team,” Hamels said after the Rangers won their third straight. “If it shows up on my record, fine, but we have had some really good wins lately, and that’s something to build on. Ultimately, I’m winning games for the team.”

Hamels went 6 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and three walks, and striking out seven. Sam Dyson, Jake Diekman and Shawn Tolleson finished the job as Rangers pitchers held the Astros to 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

The Astros’ only run came on a home run by Tyler White off Hamels; they have now lost six of their last eight. They have also lost 10 of their last 12 to the Rangers going back to last season. Doug Fister took the loss despite allowing just two runs in six innings.

“Two things that have plagued us in the first two weeks [are] walks and homers, and that came back to back for the two-run homer by Odor,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “Very symbolic for how things have gone the first two weeks. I am happy [Fister] lasted as long as he did. He competed and got ground-ball outs and mixed and matched his stuff. It was a step in the right direction.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDRangers turn unusual DPs: Hamels got out of two jams without allowing runs because of double plays. With two on and one out, the first inning ended with Hamels striking out White and George Springer getting …

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