Houston, TX (July 13, 2025) — The Texas Rangers will look to cap off the first half of their 2025 season on a winning note when they take on the Houston Astros in a crucial rubber match Sunday evening at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT, with Nathan Eovaldi set to start for Texas and Hunter Brown taking the mound for Houston.

Following a thrilling extra-inning battle on Saturday that saw the Astros edge out the Rangers 5-4 on a walk-off single, Sunday’s contest holds added weight — both for bragging rights and for momentum heading into the All-Star break. The season series is currently tied at 3-3.

Texas Turns to Eovaldi in Series Finale

The Rangers (47-49) hand the ball to veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who has been a stabilizing force in the rotation this year. Eovaldi enters Sunday’s game with a 7-4 record and a 3.11 ERA, showcasing his reliability and ability to eat innings during a stretch where the Rangers have struggled with consistency.

Eovaldi has fared well against the Astros historically and will look to attack a Houston lineup that’s still finding its rhythm despite being one of the league’s top scoring clubs in June. A win tonight would not only push the Rangers to the .500 mark, but also give them a second straight series win over their in-state rivals.

Brown Looks to Bounce Back

Opposing Eovaldi will be Astros righty Hunter Brown (5-5, 4.67 ERA), a talented but sometimes erratic starter with swing-and-miss stuff. Brown has had trouble with command in recent outings and will be tested by a Texas offense that features a blend of power and patience.

The Rangers lineup has flashed signs of breaking out in recent games, including a key homer from Marcus Semien and clutch hitting from Adolis García and Wyatt Langford. They’ll look to capitalize early and force Brown into high-stress pitches, something they managed successfully in Friday’s win over Lance McCullers Jr.

Rangers Lineup: July 13, 2025

1. Josh Smith – 3B

2. Corey Seager – SS

3. Marcus Semien – 2B

4. Adolis García – RF

5. Wyatt Langford – LF

6. Evan Carter – CF

7. Jake Burger – DH

8. Kyle Higashioka – C

9. Ezequiel Duran – 1B

This lineup continues to offer a mix of veteran leadership and youthful upside. Josh Smith gets the nod at third base, while Langford, Carter, and Seager remain the engine of the offense. Burger slots in as the designated hitter, aiming to build momentum after battling minor quad discomfort earlier this week. Higashioka, coming off a clutch game-tying homer Saturday night, will catch Eovaldi and bat eighth.

What’s at Stake

For the Rangers, a victory on Sunday would be symbolic as well as strategic. A win would pull them even at 48-48 going into the All-Star break — a welcome milestone after an injury-riddled, up-and-down first half. It would also help them inch closer to a crowded AL Wild Card picture, where they currently sit just a few games out of the final spot.

For the Astros, Sunday is about halting a recent slide. Despite Saturday’s walk-off win, Houston (56-39) had dropped four straight heading into the weekend and needs a strong outing from Brown to enter the break with positive momentum.

Final Word

When these two clubs meet, the stakes are always elevated. Tonight’s matchup features strong pitching, powerful lineups, and a postseason-like atmosphere. With both teams looking to finish the first half on a high note, expect a tightly contested affair filled with intensity and energy — fitting for a Lone Star State showdown.

Win or lose, the Rangers have shown signs of revival heading into the second half. But if they want to make a true push, it starts with closing out this series the right way.