Sky-high blooper proves costly in Astros' loss

PHOTOS: Astros vs Rangers Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) loses the ball in the sun on a pop fly by Texas Rangers' Joey GalloÂ during the sixth inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Mike Stone) Browse through the photos to see action from the Astros' loss to the Rangers. less PHOTOS: Astros vs Rangers Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) loses the ball in the sun on a pop fly by Texas Rangers' Joey GalloÂ during the sixth inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 21, 2019, in ... more Photo: Mike Stone/Associated Press Photo: Mike Stone/Associated Press Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close Sky-high blooper proves costly in Astros' loss 1 / 42 Back to Gallery

ARLINGTON — In a one-run game featuring 21 runs and 21 hits, looking back on one swing or one misplay can prove difficult.

Collin McHugh threw terribly and afforded the Astros a nine-run deficit. Still, they lost by only one, pulling within 11-10 before a bases-loaded, ninth-inning rally fizzled.

How the Rangers scored the one run not charged to McHugh was somewhat flukey — and presented some regret.

With two outs in the sixth inning and the Astros trailing by four, Joey Gallo got under Framber Valdez's two-strike fastball. The Rangers' gargantuan lefthanded slugger sent it high into the air on the infield. From third base, Shin Soo Choo moved on contact.

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The baseball got caught in the howling wind, which gusted as high as 30 mph. Carlos Correa thought he was camped under the fly ball behind second base.

"It looked like Carlos took off, turned his back, and when he turned around there was nothing to see," manager A.J. Hinch said.

The ball landed to the left of Alex Bregman at third, falling to the dirt for what became the game-winning single. Statcast said it hung in the air for 7.3 seconds, an eternity that made judging the trajectory on a sunny, windy day that much more difficult.

"(Gallo) hits the ball a mile and when he misses them they go really high," Bregman said. "The wind was blowing, but it's one of those popups we have to catch."

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