The Athletics began a pivotal three-game series at the surging Houston Astros, who are closing in on them in the American League West. The Astros jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, winning the series-opener between these division rivals 5-1. The A\u2019s appeared to carry over the effects of yesterday\u2019s ninth-inning collapse, struggling to capitalize on their limited scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n
Astros Strike First<\/p>\n
Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert<\/a> worked a scoreless first inning, though A\u2019s catcher Shea Langeliers<\/a> and first baseman Nick Kurtz<\/a> each hit balls hard to left field that were tracked down by Yordan Alvarez<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Houston took the lead in the bottom of the first inning against A\u2019s starting pitcher Jack Perkins<\/a>, who made his first start of the season. Astros\u2019 designated hitter Isaac Paredes<\/a> launched his ninth home run of the season, a three-run shot to left center field that gave hosts an early 3-0 advantage.<\/p>\n A\u2019s Waste Golden Opportunity<\/p>\n The Athletics attempted to respond the next inning. With one out, left fielder Tyler Soderstrom<\/a> walked and then center fielder Henry Bolte and third baseman Zack Gelof<\/a> hit soft singles to load the bases. Lambert escaped the jam unscathed, striking out Jeff McNeil<\/a> and Darell Hernaiz<\/a> to keep the momentum on Houston\u2019s side. McNeil started the season strong, validating the A\u2019s offseason trade for him. However, he has since fallen into a significant slump, and the team needs him to turn things around sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n That was a big chance for the Athletics to get back in this game, but the bottom of their lineup let them down. Thankfully, Perkins pitched better in the second inning, retiring the side after opening the frame with back-to-back strikeouts.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Astros Add On<\/p>\n The Astros extended their lead in the third inning. Alvarez singled with one out and later scored on Christian Walker<\/a>\u2019s triple to right field, another line drive misplayed by A\u2019s right fielder Carlos Cortes<\/a>. Of the 84 players with at least 10 attempts in right field, Cortes ranks last with -5 outs above average. His poor defense has hurt the A\u2019s on multiple occasions this week, a trend that must be corrected if they want to remain in the division race.<\/p>\n Walker crossed the plate moments later on Paredes\u2019 sacrifice fly, giving the Astros a 5-0 lead through four innings.<\/p>\n Bolte was the lone bright spot for the A\u2019s offense in the game\u2019s early goings, recording singles in his first two at-bats. The rest of the lineup, meanwhile, was stifled by Lambert, who held the A\u2019s scoreless through five innings.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n A\u2019s manager Mark Kotsay removed Perkins after he issued a leadoff walk in the fifth. The right-hander allowed five runs on five hits while walking two and striking out six over four innings. Right-hander Mason Barnett replaced him and set the next three Astros hitters down in order.<\/p>\n A\u2019s Won\u2019t be Shut Out<\/p>\n The Athletics finally got to Lambert in the sixth inning. With one out, Brent Rooker hit his ninth home run of the season, a solo blast to left field. Soderstrom drew a walk, and Bolte followed with his third hit of the game, a double that advanced Soderstrom to third base.<\/p>\n A\u2019s Fail to Inch Closer<\/p>\n