ALCS Game 3: Score updates, video highlights of Houston Astros’ 8-5 win over Texas Rangers

Houston scored five runs off Texas starter Max Scherzer to build a big early lead, then held off the Rangers on its way an 8-5 win in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on Wednesday night.

The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series 2 games to 1. Game 4 is on Thursday night at Globe Life Field.

Highlights of the game in reverse chronological order:

Ninth inning: No dramatics

The Rangers couldn’t pull a comeback in the ninth off Astros closer Ryan Pressly. Pressly walked Mitch Garver, struck out Nathan Lowe, then induced Josh Jung into a game-ending double play. Astros win, 8-5.

Both teams score in eighth; 8-5 Astros

Jeremy Pena run-scoring single pushes Astros to an 8-4 lead in the eighth.

The Rangers get one back on an Adolis Garcia single. Astros lead 8-5 headed to the ninth inning.

Jung homers again, Rangers trail 7-4

Josh Jung delivered his second two-run homer of the game. The rookie has accounted for all of the Rangers runs. Rangers trail 7-4 after seven innings.

Astros get to Rangers bullpen

Yordan Alvarez’ two-run single off reliever Will Smith in the seventh inning pushes Astros lead to 7-2.

Taveras steals homer from Alvarez

Rangers center fielder Leody Taveras when he robbed Yordan Alvarez of a home run in the top of the sixth. Astros still lead 5-2

The Ragers get a two-out double by Evan Carter, but the Rangers can’t score in their half of the sixth. The double chases Astros starter Cristian Javier (5.2 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts). Hector Neris relieves Jvier and gets Adolis Garcia on a flyout to left fielder Michael Brantley, who made a sensational catch.

No-hitter gone in fifth, Rangers get two

Max Scherzer is pulled after four innings. Pithcing for the first time since Sept. 12, he allowed five runs on five hits, a walk and four strikeouts in four innings. Cody Bradford, an Aledo alumn, pitched a scoreless fifth.

Nathan Lowe singled with two outs in the bottom of the fifth to snap Cristian Javier’s no-hitter. Josh Jung then smacked a two-run home run to cut the Astros’ lead to 5-2 after five innings.

Astros extend lead to 5-0

Maurico Dubon’s run-scoring single off Scherzer (yes, he’s still in there) pushes Astros lead to 5-0 in the top of fourth.

And Cristian Javier retires the Rangers in order again, no hits for Texas through four innings.

Altuve homers, lead now 4-0

Jose Altuve homers in the top of the third. Astros now up 4-0.

The Astros’ Cristian Javier allows a walk, but still no hits through three innings. Houston leads 4-0 after 3.

Astros take 3-0 lead

Houston loaded the bases against Max Scherzer in the top of the second with one out. They scored the first run of the game on a Scherzer wild pitch, scoring Yordan Alvarez. Martin Maldonado then delivered a two-run single, scoring Kyle Tucker and Maurcio Dubon.

The Rangers were retired in order in the second inning. Houston leads 3-0.

Scherzer perfect start

Max Scherzer, pitching for the first time in more than seven weeks, retired the Astros in order with just eight pitches.

The Rangers also were retired in order in the first. SCORELESS after 1.

Going to Globe Life Field? Here are the key times:

6:40 p.m.—Player introductions begin

6:50 p.m.-National Anthem-The Strikeout Kings

6:52 p.m.—Ceremonial first pitch—Ian Kinsler to Derek Holland

7:03 p.m.—First pitch, Astros vs. Rangers

The lineup

The Rangers’ lineup for Game 3:

Wondering about the roof?

Creed can get you ready

Pregame reading suggestions

Action kicks off here at 630 p.m. CT. Until then, here’s some pregame reading:

Mac Engel: Go ahead and believe it, Rangers are headed to a title.

Game 3 starter: Max Scherzer is healthy and ready to return

Postseason ace: Why one former major leaguer thinks Nathan Eovaldi is special

Dynasty over: Will one bad Astros inning translate to their postseason demise?

Parking tips? Going to Game 3, Here are some parking tips

Food choices. Here’s some specialty foods to satisfy your appetite at the game

Staying home? Here’s how to watch the game on TV tonight