Key Performances
Jack Perkins was the standout pitcher for Oakland, delivering five innings of work that laid the groundwork for the victory. He allowed just one earned run while striking out six batters, earning the win and improving his record to 3-9.
The Athletics’ bullpen provided crucial support, with Scott Blewett and Luis Medina each pitching a scoreless inning to preserve the lead before Hogan Harris closed it out with his thirteenth save of the season.
Houston’s starter Cristian Javier took the loss after four innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits while striking out eight. Enyel De Los Santos struggled in relief, allowing three earned runs in just one-third of an inning. Kai-Wei Teng and AJ Blubaugh each pitched a scoreless frame, but Steven Okert surrendered the go-ahead run before Josh Hader finished with two strikeouts.
Scoring Summary
The Astros struck first in the opening inning. A sacrifice fly by Paredes plated Peña to make it 1-0. Altuve then homered to left center, driving in Alvarez to extend the lead to 3-0. Houston added another run in the second when Altuve walked, bringing home Smith to make it 4-0.
Oakland began its comeback in the fourth inning. Paredes hit a home run to left, scoring Peña and cutting the deficit to 4-2. The Athletics took the lead in the fifth inning.
