Astros throw pair of immaculate innings in victory over Rangers

Astros relief pitcher Phil Maton throws during the seventh inning Wednesday. (LM Otero/AP)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Astros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning — nine pitches, three strikeouts — and Martín Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2 on Wednesday.

Maldonado hit a two-run double in the first and later homered for the AL West-leading Astros.