Athletics Defeat Astros 6-0, Hand Houston Fifth Straight Loss

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics defeated the Houston Astros 6-0 on Wednesday night, marking the Astros’ fifth consecutive loss.

With this victory, the Athletics improved their September record to 12-8. They also handed the Astros their third straight game failing to score at least two runs, a troubling trend for a team that has consistently been in playoff contention.

Sam Langeliers led the Athletics with four hits in the game. He started with two infield hits and an RBI double in the fifth, giving Oakland a 2-0 lead. Langeliers then hit his 31st home run, a solo shot, in the seventh inning. Dariel Soderstrom followed suit, belting his 25th homer to add to the Athletics’ lead.

The pitching performance from the Athletics’ starter, who went 6 1/3 innings allowing only three hits and a walk, was crucial in the win. He was followed by a relief pitcher who retired all five batters faced, further solidifying the game’s outcome.

In contrast, Astros pitcher Hunter Brown struggled, allowing four runs and six hits in just five innings. This performance came after a strong season but broke a streak where he had not allowed more than two earned runs in ten straight starts.

The Astros now find themselves one game behind Detroit for the final American League wild card with only four games left in the season. Houston, having won the last four AL West titles, faces increasing pressure as their playoff dreams hang in the balance.

With the Mariners clinching the AL West earlier on Wednesday, the Astros know their playoff aspirations are dimming. They will look to turn things around in the final game of the series against the Athletics on Thursday.