The Texas Rangers defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 in the opening game of the AL Championship Series on Sunday night.

Jordan Montgomery shut down the Astros, giving up only five hits in over 6 1/3 scoreless innings, while Leody Taveras hit a two-run HR in the fifth against Justin Verlander to score the winning runs of the game. Verlander pitched strong, allowing just the two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings in his 36th postseason start.

The Rangers are in the ALCS for the first time since 2011, and with the win improved to 6-0 this postseason after sweeping the Rays in the Wild Card Series, and the Orioles in the Division Series.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will take place Monday in Houston.

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