Rangers Win 4-3 to Complete Sweep of AL West-Leading Astros

All that really matters for manager Jeff Banister and the Texas Rangers is getting the victory that finished off a three-game sweep of the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

"It wasn't pretty, typically you don't win a ballgame when you walk eight and hit one," Banister said. "That's a first for me ... a low-scoring, one-run game and win that game."

Chris Gimenez hit what proved to be a deciding home run and Texas held on for the 4-3 win Wednesday night, using five relievers after Nick Martinez allowed one hit and one run over five innings on his 25th birthday.

The homer by Gimenez leading off the second for a 4-0 lead was the only extra-base hit for the Rangers, and came after they scored three unearned runs in the first off Scott Kazmir (6-6).

The Rangers have won four in a row and seven of eight, moving within five games of the division lead, the closest they have been since June 30.

"It was a big series for us," Banister said.

All three Houston runs were scored by players who reached on a walk.

With 20-save closer Shawn Tolleson unavailable after pitching six of the previous seven games, Sam Dyson got his second career save — both since a Friday trade from Miami. He closed it out only after allowing a leadoff single in the ninth and hitting Jose Altuve with a pitch.

"I think everybody's doing their jobs," shortstop Elvis Andrus said.

Martinez (7-6), walked three and struck out one while throwing 86 pitches in a game which start with the temperature at 100 degrees.

"It wasn't a clean outing for him," Banister said. "Essentially, he battled himself all night long trying to get the ball in the strike zone."

Kazmir, in his third start for Houston since a July 23 trade from Oakland, lowered his AL-best ERA from 2.10 to 2.08 since only one run against him was earned. The right-hander struck out five in his 5 2/3 innings.

He had thrown 14 2/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts for Houston, part of his five games in July while allowing one earned run over 34 innings (0.26 ERA). Earlier this season for the A's, Kazmir gave up only three runs over 21 innings in three starts against the Rangers.

Delino DeShields reached to start the Texas first when Kazmir was unable to cleanly field the roller in front of the plate for an error. Ryan Strausborger, in his first major league at-bat, had a sacrifice bunt but reached on catcher Hank Conger's throwing error. Prince Fielder had a sacrifice fly before consecutive RBI singles by Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus.

"It all started with me. It did. I didn't set the tone well. It was an easy play right in front of me and I just rushed it," Kazmir said. "A couple errors early on against a team like that gave 'em momentum. It's tough."

Houston was within 4-3 after five consecutive batters reached with one out in the sixth against two relievers.

Carlos Correa and Jed Lowrie drew consecutive walks before Evan Gattis' RBI single. Sam Freeman, after replacing Phil Klein, walked the first two batters he faced, including Conger with the bases loaded.

Read more »

Nicolle Wallace Is Leaving 'The View'

The political analyst joined the show last year.

"Having worked with her for most of the last year, you know the warmth, smarts, and professionalism she has brought to the job every day," executive producer Bill Wolff wrote in a note shared with show's staff today. "She will always be a friend of our show, and I know you join me in wishing her only the best."

Michelle Collins to Join 'The View' as New Co-Host

Rosie Perez Leaves 'The View' to Pursue Acting

Wallace, 43, previously worked as the communications chief for George W. Bush and as a senior adviser for John McCain's presidential campaign. She's also a published author.

In addition to Wallace, Rosie Perez will also not be returning after this season.

However, it was recently announced that next season, comedian Michelle Collins will join Whoopi Goldberg and Raven-Symone on the "View" panel.

Read more »

Macklemore Announces He Has a Daughter

The rapper's daughter, Sloane Ava Simone Haggerty, who arrived May 29, inspired him to create a new song, "Growing Up," featuring Ed Sheeran.

"There is nothing like the joy and happiness that comes from bringing a baby into this universe," he wrote on his website. "She has filled my heart in ways that I never knew were possible. She is the love of my life."

Macklemore Reveals Drug Relapse

Macklemore Does 'Thrift Shop' Parody on 'Sesame Street'

In a lengthy essay, Macklemore explained he was scared when he learned his fiancee, Tricia Davis, was expecting, because he felt he wasn't ready to become a father. That's why half of the lyrics, he explained, are advice about growing up. The other half are about "trying to figure out how to grow up myself."

"When you try to escape yourself, life has an interesting way of creating situations that force you to come back. To look at who you are. This is why ‘Growing Up’ felt like the right song to re-emerge with," he wrote. "It’s where I’ve been the last year, through all the ups and downs. We didn’t want to do a big campaign or anything over the top with this. We just wanted to put out good music, directly to the people that have been here since the beginning. Thank you for your patience. Hope you enjoy."

Read more »

Shonda Rhimes Explains Why McDreamy Died on 'Grey’s Anatomy'

"Meredith and Derek’s love had to remain Meredith and Derek’s love, so in order to preserve that, as painful as it was for me as a storyteller, Derek was going to have to die," she told the audience,according to USA Today.

Read: Patrick Dempsey Talks Epic 'Grey's Anatomy' Shocker

Related: Shocking Twist on 'Grey's Anatomy'

She further explained on Tuesday that she didn't want Derek aka "McDreamy" to just leave Meredith, hence the decision to kill the character.

Next season, Rhimes said will show Ellen Pompeo's character deal with the loss of McDreamy and moving forward as a mother.

At the time of Derek's death in April on the show, Rhimes released a statement about the major twist.

"Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character -- for Meredith, for me and for the fans,” Rhimes said. “I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our ‘Mcdreamy.’ Patrick Dempsey's performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example – happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true – of what young women should demand from modern love. His loss will be felt by all."

Read more »

'19 Kids and Counting' Star Josiah Duggar's Courtship Has Ended

The "19 Kids and Counting" star and Jackson announced they were seeing each other four months ago.

"Both Josiah and Marjorie have enjoyed getting to know each other and to build their friendship over the past months," the Duggars told ABC News in a joint statement. "We are so grateful that they each are seeking the Lord's will for their future. A few weeks ago Marjorie and Josiah agreed to end their courtship, keeping in step with what they believe the Lord's will is. Both are thankful for the time getting to know each other, and their families continue to enjoy each other's company and close friendship."

'19 Kids and Counting' Star Josiah Duggar Enters Into Courtship With His Girlfriend

'19 Kids and Counting' Cancelled: The Duggars Speak Out

Duggar, 18, and Jackson, 17, have known each other for a few years. They met while Duggar was taking Spanish lessons from Jackson's mother.

"When I was taking Spanish lessons at her house and I was very impressed with the way she was with her siblings and her love for the Lord," he said in April.

Read more »

Sandra Lee Experiences a 'Setback' Two Months After Her Double Mastectomy

Sandra Lee experienced a medical complication recently, her rep told ABC News.

The lifestyle guru underwent a double mastectomy in May after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"There was a setback [on Tuesday night] due to what may be an infection post-mastectomy," a rep for Lee told ABC News. "But Sandra is her ever-fighting self."

Sandra Lee Describes Her 'Rough Couple Days'

Sandra Lee Is 'So Happy' to Be Home After Double Mastectomy

Lee, 49, had kept her fans aware of her progress via Facebook and shared photos of herself at home with her partner, New York governor Andrew Cuomo.

On Aug. 3, she wrote that she visited the doctor and was using music to get "a boost of energy."

"Maintaining a positive attitude and surrounding myself with only good vibes is what helps me get through my appointments and helps me to continue to get stronger!" she added.

Read more »

'Deadpool' Trailer: Why This Movie Is Different From Rest of Comic Films

The first official "Deadpool" trailer hit the web Tuesday night and even though both the Red Bandand Green Band trailers aren't exactly safe for work, they are glorious.

As most comic fans know, "Deadpool" is a special character that is so unique that some never thought a movie would happen. For example, Ryan Reynolds, who originally played the character in 2009, has been trying to get this spin-off made ever since. So, let's all let out a collective and sarcastic sigh of rejoice that "Deadpool" hits theaters in February.

Read: Comic-Con 2015: All the Highlights, Including 'Batman v Superman,' 'Suicide Squad' and 'X-Men'

Related: Harrison Ford Gets Standing Ovation at 'Star Wars' Comic-Con Panel

Here are the top reasons this film will separate itself from all comic films before it.

It's R Rated!

This definitely isn't your typical comic film. F-bombs galore, other curse words that can't be repeated on a family-friendly website and much more, like lots of blood and gore.

"Daddy needs to express some rage."

No One Is Safe From Being Made Fun Of

Really, no one! As Reynolds is being wheeled in for surgery, he yells, "please don't make the super suit green or animated!" Yep, he's making fun of his past run as the Green Lantern, a movie that was panned by critics. Indeed, in the teaser trailer, the voiceover makes fun of Fox Studios itself, which is producing this film. It jokes about "Wolverine: Origins" and how that film kind of ruined Deadpool by sewing his mouth shut. You don't do that to the Merc with a Mouth!

Later on Posh Spice and Rosie O'Donnell are brought up. More to be expected in the film.

Snarkiest Character in Marvel Universe

If Van Wilder got cancer, had surgery to get super-powers and then was able to curse and talk to the audience, that's Deadpool. This has been said a million times, but is worth saying yet again: This is the movie Reynolds was born to play. Sarcastic, witty, absolutely no respect for authority. Did we mention he curses?!

Bye-Bye Fourth Wall

"Deadpool" is famous for ignoring the rules of comics and talking to the audience. This was another reason a film adaptation took so long to come to fruition. In the Green Band version, you'll notice he says "Cue the music" and literally stops the action from time to time to chat with the viewer. Again, this is tailor made for Reynolds and his brand of acting.

It's a Standalone, While Also Being Tied Into Marvel

Though we see Colossus in one of the scenes and “Deadpool” is part of Fox's Marvel series of movies like "X-Men," this really is its own movie, not dependent on anything else. This isn't a cog in the wheel on the way to an "Avengers" or something like that.

And that's for the better; this is Reynold's film and not a part of a bigger picture. He might appear in other Fox films, but this film will be a classic all on its own. This is an A-list star and you don't need to know too much background to enjoy it.

Read more »