The Rangers have won consecutive games for the first time since Sept. 8-9 while the Astros have lost two straight for the first time since Sept. 9-10.

Mathis, who started about one-third of Texas’ games this season, hasn’t hit three homers in a season since hitting five in 2013 for the Miami Marlins. His homer on Saturday followed a failed attempt at a sacrifice bunt.

“I offered at a pitch that was ball four,” Mathis said. “Should have walked, but ended up working out.”

McCullers extended his streak of innings without allowing an earned run to 17 2/3. He allowed only two singles and one walk and struck out a season-high nine, including the final five outs he recorded.

McCullers returned this season after missing 2019 because of Tommy John surgery. He pitched well down the stretch after suffering nerve irritation caused by a plane trip in early August.

“I’m damn proud of myself,” McCullers said, “I think that eight-start sample size (closing the season) is an indication of the pitcher I am.”

Nick Solak’s two-out RBI single to left in the bottom of the sixth scored the game’s first run and put Rangers starter Kyle Gibson in position to win after throwing six scoreless innings and scattering six hits. Gibson’s ERA in five previous home starts this season was 7.18.