HOUSTON, March 31 (UPI) -- Rick Ankiel cracked a three-run homer Sunday and the Houston Astros celebrated their American League debut with an 8-2 victory over Texas.
Justin Maxwell went 2-for-3 with a two-run triple for the Astros, who notched a victory in their first game since transferring from the National League while dominating the overall 2013 Major League Baseball opener.
Bud Norris (1-0) earned the victory with 5 2/3 solid innings, limiting the Rangers to two runs on five hits. The right-hander yielded three walks and struck out five.
Erik Bedard tossed 2 1/3 frames of shutout relief for his first career save.
Rangers starter Matt Harrison (0-1) was roughed up for six runs (five earned) over 5 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and three walks while striking out nine.
David Murphy and Nelson Cruz each drove in a run for Texas.
