Josh Smith hit his first-ever game-ending home run at any level, securing a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Texas Rangers against the Houston Astros in the opening game of their final series of the season. The Rangers and Astros, both teams from the AL West and previous World Series champions, faced off in this crucial matchup.

On Monday night, Smith launched a 410-foot homer into the right-center field seats with two outs in the 10th inning, clinching the win for the Rangers. This dramatic moment came after the Astros had briefly taken the lead earlier in the inning following two hit-by-pitches.

Smith remarked, “That’s pretty cool, and then to do it against the rival and division team is pretty sweet. To do it in that situation against that team with where we’re at right now is pretty important.”

Corey Seager also made a significant contribution with his 23rd home run, his fourth in as many games, hitting a two-out homer in the eighth inning for the defending champion Rangers (54-59). This win brought the Rangers five games closer to the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, who were off that day. Despite the victory, the Rangers remain 8.5 games behind for a wild-card spot.

Seager, who was on deck when Smith hit his home run, commented, “The excitement says it all. That’s how the team feels right now. It’s almost like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders, and we can finally exhale a bit. Smith’s swing was really cool and something we desperately needed.”

Smith’s game-winning homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-4) secured the victory for the Rangers and gave All-Star closer Kirby Yates (4-1) the win. Earlier in the 10th inning, Yates had hit two batters, including one on a controversial call, which allowed the Astros to briefly take the lead.

Texas had intentionally walked power hitter Yordan Alvarez with one out, and Yainer Diaz was awarded first base after he claimed he was hit by a pitch. The Rangers challenged the call made by home plate umpire Will Little, but the decision was upheld after review. Yates then hit Jeremy Peña with a pitch, adding another run for the Astros.