HOUSTON -- The Texas Rangers never lost faith in rookie Nick Martinez even as his losing streak stretched to seven games. Billy Price Bengals Jersey . And on Sunday against the Houston Astros they were pleased to see his work finally pay off with his first win since May 24. Martinez pitched five solid innings and Adrian Beltre and Shin-Soo Choo both homered to lead the Rangers to a 6-2 victory over the Astros, snapping a seven-game skid against their in-state rivals. "Hes a strong kid," Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Martinez. "He works every day and he wants to be better. Youve got to understand the kid is just out of A ball trying to get big league hitters out. Hell figure it out." Martinez (2-8), who was pitching on five extra days rest, allowed five hits and two runs with a season-high six strikeouts. "Im definitely relieved," he said. "Its nice to get that win. It wasnt easy. I had to battle out there." He spent half of last season in Class-A and pitched just two games in Double-A this season before being called up after injuries decimated the Rangers rotation. "Hes up here to win ball games," Washington said. "If we didnt have a tremendous feeling about the kid he wouldnt be up here ... we believe in him. Were going to give him all the opportunity that we can to continue to improve." The Rangers trailed by two early before scoring twice in both the fourth and fifth innings to take a 4-2 lead. The 393rd homer of Beltres career came off Dallas Keuchel in the sixth inning and Choo also had a solo shot in the seventh to make it 6-2. Keuchel (10-8) allowed six hits and tied a season-high with five runs in six innings. "I wasnt very good the last three innings, and that was the game," Keuchel said. Jose Altuve had two hits for his 49th multihit game this season in his return after missing Saturdays game with a sore neck. Chris Carter made it 1-0 in the first when he grounded into a force play that scored Robbie Grossman and left Altuve out at second. Carter was initially ruled out on the play, but manager Bo Porter challenged the call and it was overturned. Altuve was plunked with one out in the third inning and added to his American League lead when he swiped second for his 46th steal. Jason Castros single sent him home to make it 2-0. Elvis Andrus singled to start the fourth inning and scored on a double by Alex Rios to cut the lead to 2-1. A two-out single by Adam Rosales allowed Rios to score and tie the game. Robinson Chirinos doubled and Daniel Robertson singled to start the fifth inning. Chirinos scored and Robertson took third on a wild pitch by Keuchel to put Texas on top 3-2. A sacrifice fly by Andrus scored Robertson to push the lead to 4-2. TRAINERS ROOM Rangers: Rios left the game in the middle of the fourth inning after appearing to aggravate his sprained right ankle sliding into home in the top of the fourth inning. He had missed the previous two games because of the injury, but said after the game that he expects to play on Monday. ... Washington was encouraged by LHP Derek Hollands third rehabilitation start at Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. He struck out four in three scoreless innings. Holland, who hasnt played in the majors this season after left knee surgery, will start for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday night. Astros: Astros OF George Springer (quadriceps) said he felt OK on Sunday a day after taking batting practice and participating in drills on the field, but he isnt sure when hell be able to come off the disabled list. "Its more frustrating than anything because I want to play and help," Springer said. "But ... I have to be smart about it." UP NEXT Rangers: Colby Lewis starts against Tampa Bays Drew Smyly in the opener of a four game series on Monday. Lewis has gone 2-2 with a 2.30 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break and threw a complete game shutout in his last start. Astros: Brad Peacock opposes Minnesota left-hander Tommy Milone when the Astros start a three game series with the Twins. Peacock will make his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He struggled in his return to the majors, allowing eight runs in five innings of a 10-3 loss to Philadelphia. Mark Walton Jersey . -- Phil Mickelson came to the St. Andrew Billings Bengals Jersey . -- Canadas Justin Shin shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday on PGA Wests Nicklaus Tournament Course to take the first-round lead in the Web. http://www.bengalsgear.com/authentic-sam-hubbard-jersey.html . Anor had not scored since getting his first two goals of the season vs. Philadelphia on March 22 but struck with laser precision from distance in the 56th and 75th minutes. Montreal (3-10-5) lost its third straight and Impact coach Frank Klopas said it literally was a case of his players not stepping up.New Orleans, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - International Star used his season debut to explode onto the Kentucky Derby trail with a victory in Saturdays 71st running of the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. The Lecomte is the first of the major 3-year-old stakes at Fair Grounds leading to the $750,000 Louisiana Derby on Mar. 28. Coming up on Feb. 21 is the Risen Star Stakes. International Star, ridden by Miguel Mena from the rail post, was 9-1 in the 11-horse field going a mile, 70 yards. Trained by Mike Maker, the colt settled along the inside until moving outside entering the stretch. Owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, International Star moved to the lead inside the furlong pole and drove through the stretch for a 2 1/2-length victory over War Story. Tiznow R J was third followed by Another Lemon Drop, Savoy Stomp, Hero of Humor, 3-1 favorite Eagle, Dekabrist, Runhappy, Killingit and Four Leaf Chief. Andrew Billings Jersey. The time for the Lecomte was 1:43.62 on a fast track. International Star, a son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, claimed $120,000 with the win. The colt has won three of seven starts for $320,979. The Ramseys and Maker combined to win last years Lecomte with Vicars in Trouble. The 3-year-old won the Grey Stakes at Woodbine last October and earlier recorded seconds in Belmonts Rockville Center Stakes and Saratogas With Anticipation on the turf. International Star was ninth, just 3 1/4 lengths off the winner, in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 31. International Star returned $20.40, $8.80 and $5.20. War Story paid $7.20 and $4.60, and Tiznow R J paid $4.20 to show. Cheap Hawks Jerseys Cheap Celtics Jerseys Cheap Nets Jerseys Cheap Hornets Jerseys Cheap Bulls Jerseys Cheap Cavaliers Jerseys Cheap Mavericks Jerseys Cheap Nuggets Jerseys Cheap Pistons Jerseys Cheap Warriors Jerseys Cheap Rockets Jerseys Cheap Pacers Jerseys Cheap Clippers Jerseys Cheap Lakers Jerseys Cheap Grizzlies Jerseys ' ' '