Max Scherzer shelled on return as Astros beat Rangers in Game 3 of ALCS

• Astros beat Rangers 8-5 to narrow ALCS series deficit to 2-1
• Max Scherzer pulled after four innings in return from injury

Jose Altuve homered, Cristian Javier worked into the sixth inning of another solid postseason start and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 8-5 on Wednesday night, closing to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series.

Texas lost for the first time this postseason after a 7-0 start. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer was gone after four innings in his first outing in more than a month after recovering from a strained shoulder muscle.