Park Turns Up Heat on Astros

The stifling heat was much tougher on Chan Ho Park than the Houston Astros’ struggling lineup.

The former Dodger pitched seven sharp innings, Mark Teixeira homered and the Texas Rangers completed a three-game sweep with a 2-0 victory Sunday.

Park (4-1) gave up six hits, struck out two and didn’t walk anyone. He went at least six innings for the fifth time this season, helping the Rangers (24-20) move four games over .500 for the first time this season.

With the temperature in the upper 90s, Park had to contend with cramps in his upper hamstring before the seventh. After the game, he needed an IV to replenish fluids.

“This was not an easy day for pitching, but it was a great outing for me,” Park said.

Manager Buck Showalter and trainer Jamie Reed went to the mound before the seventh inning and watched Park throw a few warmup pitches. Showalter decided to leave Park in for another inning, and he retired the side in order.

“He was cramping up pretty good,” Showalter said. “It was a gutsy effort.”

Park got some advice on handling the heat from teammate Chris Young, who pitched five innings Saturday against the Astros.

“He told me to drink a lot of water the night before I pitched and before the game,” Park said.

“After each inning, I kept drinking. I have a history of cramps and today was pretty hot. But I like the warm weather more than the cold weather.”

The Astros lost their fifth in a row despite a strong start from Roy Oswalt and fell to 2-19 on the road, worst in the major leagues.

Oswalt (5-5), who beat the Rangers in his last three starts against them, gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings. He struck out six and didn’t walk a batter.