There's no question that the Houston Astros are a perfect remedy for several types of slump. Whether it be pitching or hitting, a team can cure a lot of ills when facing the worst team in Major League Baseball.
That was no different for the Texas Rangers on Monday as they opened a home series against the Astros after dropping a weekend series at home to the Seattle Mariners.
Two guys who had struggled recently at the top of the Rangers' order busted out in a big way as Leonys Martin and Elvis Andrus both had huge days at the dish for the Rangers and helped them put an 11-run inning in a 16-5 win.
Martin and Andrus each scored twice in the 11-run third inning with one of Andrus' runs coming on a steal of home when the Rangers executed a double-steal with Andrus and Adrian Beltre — yes, Adrian Beltre.
"When they're going, we're at our best," manager Ron Washington said.
They were definitely going on Monday night.
Andrus went 2-for-4 with an RBI, two stolen bases and three runs scored. Martin went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs.
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Andrus said he realizes his role with the team, which is to get on base and get across home plate. Three runs in a game is pretty salty, and Andrus wants that to become habit for both he and Martin.
"That's our job," Andrus told ESPNDallas.com. "Every time we get on base and put ourselves in a scoring situation, you're going to make things easier for Ian, Adrian and Pierzynski.
“I know my job, I know my role and that's what we're trying to do every night."
