MLB Playoffs: Rangers look for 2-0 lead, NLCS game one

Both Championship Series on tap for Monday

Behind yet another Jordan Montgomery gem, the Texas Rangers jumped out to a 1-0 series lead against the Houston Astros.

Acquired at the trade deadline, Montgomery picked 6.1 innings of shutout baseball, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out six. The bullpen combined to close out the game without allowing a hit, and the Rangers took game one 2-0.

Jonah Heim opened up the scoring, driving in Evan Carter - who had doubled - with Lady Taveras hitting a solo shot to push the lead one run further.

Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers, 4:37 pm ET

Texas leads 1-0

HOU - Framber Valdez (0-1, 10.39 ERA)

TEX - Nathan Eovaldi (2-0, 1.32 ERA)

Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:07 pm ET

PHI - Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.08 ERA)

ARI - Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18 ERA)

Philadelphia won season series 4-3

Player to watch: Bryce Harper

Harper delivered one of the coldest moments in playoff history, even if the circumstances around it were a bit overblown. It may have also unleashed a monster that pitchers may not be able to contain.

Player to watch: Corbin Carroll

One of the most electrifying young players in the game, Carroll has seven hits in 17 at-bats this postseason, including two home runs. He’s also had success against the Phillies this year, with five of his seven hits going for extra-base hits.