Houston Astros at Texas Rangers

Perhaps the two players who have been the most consistent for the Astros so far this year are slugger Yordan Alvarez, who continues to strengthen his case as the American League’s best hitter, and right-handed pitcher Peter Lambert, a lesser known name coming into the season who took over the team lead for wins on Saturday night. With Alvarez cranking his 31st homer of the season in the first inning, Lambert throwing six innings of one run baseball and LaMonte Wade Jr. becoming the first Astros player other than Alvarez to hit a grand slam this year, Houston cruised to a 9-3 win over the Rangers at Globe Life Field. The Astros can clinch the Silver Boot Series over the Rangers -- and any possible tiebreakers that may come with it -- with a win in Sunday’s series finale. Here’s how the Astros got it done Saturday. **Lambert’s steady hand** In a season where the Astros have struggled to find consistent -- and healthy -- starting pitching, Lambert has been a revelation. The right-hander improved to 8-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 86 innings over 15 starts this year, allowing three runs -- one hit on a homer by Ezequiel Duran -- and one walk while striking out seven batters. “Coming into the year on a Minor League deal and didn’t break with the team and didn’t pitch in the Major Leagues last year because I was overseas, it’s been nice,” Lambert said. “This is where I want to be and I’m happy with how it’s gone for sure.”