HOUSTON – Jason Heyward hit a two-run homer early and Jon Singleton had three hits, capped by a key RBI single in Houston’s four-run eighth inning, and the Astros took a 6-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.
Brent Rooker hit a one-out home run against Ryan Pressly (2-3) in the eighth inning to make the score 2-2.
Yainer Diaz and Kyle Tucker hit back-to-back singles with one out in the eighth inning to drive off TJ McFarland (2-3) and bring in Grant Holman. There were two outs in the inning when Singleton’s single to center field scored Diaz and put the Astros ahead.
Jake Meyers followed with a double that brought in runs before the Athletics intentionally walked Heyward to load the bases. Mauricio Dubón hit a ground ball to left field for a single that brought in two more runs and extended the lead to 6-2.
Tyler Nevin hit a solo home run against Josh Hader with one out in the ninth inning before the closer retired the next two batters and ended the game.
Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed five hits and one run with six strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings to help the Astros avoid a three-game sweep and end a three-game losing streak with the win.
Oakland starter Mitch Spence allowed seven hits and two runs in seven innings.
Singleton hit a ground-rule double with one out in the second inning before Heyward hit his first home run as an Astro with a line drive into the second row in right field, making it 2-0.
For Heyward, who signed with the Astros on August 29 after being released by the Dodgers, this was the third hit in 12 games with Houston.
Jacob Wilson opened the seventh with a double and moved to third base on a groundout by Nevin. The Athletics cut the lead to 1 when Wilson scored on a single by Daz Cameron that chased Valdez away.
Bryan Abreu took over and pinch hitter Seth Brown made a double play with his second pitch to preserve the lead.
Lawrence Butler hit a one-out double in the third inning, extending his career hitting streak to 20 games.
Singleton started Houston’s fourth inning with another double before Spence struck out the next 11 Astros. Houston’s next baserunner came on a double by Dubón with two outs in the seventh inning, and Alex Bregman was grounded out, leaving him helpless.
Trainer room
Athletics: 1B Tyler Soderstrom (left wrist injury) is expected to come off the injured list on Friday to start a series against the White Sox.
Astros: 2B Jose Altuve was not in the lineup Thursday, a day after he left in the fifth inning with right side soreness. Manager Joe Espada said he felt better Thursday and will be listed day-to-day.
Next
Athletics: LHP Brady Basso (0-0, 1.93 ERA) will start for Oakland on Friday night against LHP Garrett Crochet (6-11, 3.83) in the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.
Astros: Houston LHP Yusei Kikuchi (8-9, 4.31) faces LHP Samuel Aldegheri (1-1, 2.45) in the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
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