Jack Leiter’s dominant start squandered as Texas Rangers unravel to end series with Astros

Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran reacts after striking out on a called third strike for the final out of a 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

ARLINGTON — It’s impressive how quick things can change in baseball, isn’t it?

Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran argues with home plate umpire Nick Mahrley after striking out on a called third strike for the final out of a 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

What was once a certified no-hitter watch quickly devolved into a bullpen meltdown. What originally looked like a four-game series win fizzled into a split due to blown opportunities. What could’ve been a swell cap to a strong week in Dallas-Fort Worth sports ended in the Texas Rangers’ 4-3 loss vs. the Houston Astros Sunday at Globe Life Field.

Texas Rangers pitcher Luke Jackson delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Here’s how it went.

Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reacts after flying out on a line drive to the warning track to end the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The story: The Rangers bullpen — which had largely been a non-issue to begin the season — cost the team a chance at a win for the second time this series.

Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García looks out from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

It unraveled in the eighth inning. Veteran setup man Chris Martin replaced starter Jack Leiter with two runners on in the eighth but exited after just one pitch for the second time this week. Left-hander Robert Garcia relieved Martin and, after an extended warm-up and two quick outs, allowed a go-ahead home run to Houston third baseman Isaac Paredes that gave the Astros a 4-3 lead.

Texas Rangers pitcher Robert Garcia reacts in the dugout after the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The meltdown was the bullpen’s second in a three-game span. The relief staff was tagged for a six-run seventh inning during the Rangers’ 6-3 loss Friday.

Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros hits a three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The star: Leiter flirted with history and no-hit the Astros through 6 ⅔ innings before Houston catcher Yainer Diaz drilled a full-count home run into the Rangers’ bullpen to break it up. The 25-year-old in total allowed three earned runs (two on the home run that Garcia allowed) on three hits and two walks in seven innings. It was the first time in his big league career that he’d pitched into the eighth inning.

Texas Rangers pitcher Robert Garcia pitches during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Leiter’s start was marked by efficiency. He threw just 49 pitches through five innings and 60 through six. He retired seven Houston batters on one single pitch in the game’s first six innings and only worked five three-ball counts.

Texas Rangers pitcher Chris Martin yells as he leaves the game during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The one inning of offense: The Rangers scored three runs vs. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez in the fourth inning to give Leiter ample support.

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez wears cleats honoring Jackie Robinson as he pitches during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. Texas got on board with three consecutive singles from Sam Haggerty, Wyatt Langford and Josh Jung, scored another run on a Jonah Heim sacrifice fly and plated a third on a Jake Burger base hit up the middle.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada argues with home plate umpire Nick Mahrley after he was ejected during the third inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The issue? Texas had just three hits in the other eight innings combined and, until Haggerty’s leadoff single in the fourth, was held hitless by Valdez in the first three.

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The road ahead: The Rangers will next embark on a multi-city road trip against the New York Yankees (Tuesday-through-Thursday) and the Chicago White Sox (Friday-through-Sunday).

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford hauls in a fly ball off the bat of Houston Astros designated hitter Jose Altuve during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter takes the mound for a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung bites his glove in the dugout after a 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

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Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Texas Rangers fans watch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien turns a double play over Houston Astros outfielder Zach Dezenzo (9) on a grounder to short by Jake Meyers during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter delivers during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz breaks up a no-hitter with a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025.