The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers came into Monday's game in Arlington with a lot on the line, as the Rangers were looking to make up some ground in the AL West race.

At the trade deadline the Rangers went out and acquired ace left-hander Cole Hamels, and Monday he turned in a fantastic performance to help give the Rangers a win. He went seven innings giving up three runs on seven hits, while striking out four and walking one. This was exactly what Texas needed as they could make some noise this week if they can take care of the division leading Astros.

As for the Astros, they also had their trade deadline acquisition take the hill in left-hander Scott Kazmir. Kazmir also turned in a solid outing as he went seven innings giving up three runs (two earned) and striking out four.

Both starting pitchers kept their respective teams in the game, but it was each teams respective offense that ultimately had to come through in the clutch.

The scoring in this one opened up right off of the bat. Jose Altuve blasted a solo home run in the top of the first inning for the Astros to give them an early 1-0 lead. The Rangers didn't waste much time, as in the bottom of the second Rougned Odor doubled to center which scored Prince Fielder and knotted the game up at one a piece.

Then with one out in the fifth and a runner on third for Houston, George Springer ripped a ground ball at Mitch Moreland with the infield in, but Jake Marisnick was able to slide under the tag at home plate and give the Astros the 2-1 lead for the time being.

In the sixth, Moreland wanted to get that run back and did so in the form of a two-run home run which gave Texas the 3-2 lead, but that didn't last long as Colby Rasmus knocked an RBI single up the middle in the seventh to knot up the score at three runs apiece.

The difference in the game came in the bottom of the eighth inning. All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder came to the plate with a runner on first and one out. Astros reliever Will Harris left a 3-2 fastball right down the middle and Fielder didn't miss it as he blasted his 19th home run to center, giving the Rangers a 5-3 lead.

With it then being a save situation, closer Shawn Tolleson came in and shut things down for his 32nd save of the season. With the win, the Rangers bring themselves within a half game of the Astros for first place in the AL West.

"We had to grind and show some mental and grit," said Rangers manager Jeff Banister. "Didn't get rattled. Stayed focused. It really goes along with how we've played all year."

The Astros have been fading as of late as they are 4-6 in their last 10 games. What was once a comfortable division lead has shrunk for Houston, making this series with the Rangers that much more important.

With a Rangers win Tuesday night, they can overtake the division lead as Texas will send Derek Holland (3-2, 3.13 ERA) to the hill to face Collin McHugh (16-7, 3.89 ERA) of the Astros in game two of this vital four game series.

WP: Keone Kela (7-5, 2.57 ERA)

LP: Will Harris (5-4, 1.70 ERA)

SV: Shawn Tolleson (32 saves, 2.76 ERA)