Rangers ace Yovani Gallardo throws five innings of shutout baseball against the Houston Astros.

The race is on.

Heading into a crucial three-game series with division-leading Houston, Texas was just twenty-five games back.

Now, it’s just twenty-four.

The Rangers carved one whole game off the Astros lead last night, inching closer to first place.

It might be too early to dream, but a three-game sweep in Houston puts the Rangers just twenty-two back.

Then, really, it’s anyone’s division.

With fifty-seven games left, and with the trade deadline looming, the Rangers have some important decision to make. Can Jon Daniels make the deals that put this team over the top?

All they need is five starters and six impact bats.

Buckle up, Rangers fans, it’s going to be fun.

Watch out, Houston. Here come the Rangers.

*****
TODAY’S GAME:

Ariel Jurado (0-1, 7.71) vs. Justin Verlander (10-5, 2.19)
Game time: 6:10

How the Rangers hit against Verlander.
The Astros have never faced Jurado.