{"id":448340,"date":"2026-09-26T09:34:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T09:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/448340\/"},"modified":"2026-09-26T09:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T09:34:08","slug":"houston-astros-miss-a-chance-to-extend-lead-in-al-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/448340\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Astros miss a chance to extend lead in AL West"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after losing to the Athletics 6-5 during the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Lucas Spence (28) reacts after striking out during the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hendrickson reacts after getting a double play to end the top of the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) turns a double play by Athletics Lawrence Butler during the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hendrickson delivers during the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) reacts after striking out to end the top of the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) scores on a wild pitch by Athletics pitcher Luis Medina during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Yainer Diaz (21) hits an RBI single during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) hits a RBI sac-fly during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) reacts as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) reacts after giving up a 2-RBI single to Athletics Michael Stefanic during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) delivers during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) gets high-fives in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Logan Vanwey (64) delivers during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Logan Vanwey (64) delivers during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Christian Walker, right, laughs as he gets high-five from Christian V\u00e1zquez in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher AJ Blubaugh (69) walks back to the mound after giving up a 2-RBI triple by Athletics Henry Bolte during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros pitcher Bennett Sousa (62) reacts after giving up a 2-RBI single to Athletics Michael Stefanic during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) drops a chance at a double play against Athletics Jeff McNeil during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros left fielder Jorge Barrosa (14) fields a single by Athletics Jeff McNeil during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) catches a line drive by Athletics Jonah Heim to end the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros center fielder Lucas Spence (28) fields a fly ball by Athletics Tommy White during the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Christian Walker tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run off Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez during the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Christian Walker hits a solo home run off Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez during the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts after getting Athletics Zack Gelof to ground out to end the third inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) tries to get at a ground bal by Athletics Zack Gelof during the third inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) tries to tag out Athletics Lawrence Butler (4) at third during the third inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts after a pitch during the third inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) fields a ground ball by Athletics Zack Gelof during the second inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) draws a walk during the second inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts after walking Athletics Shea Langeliers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros center fielder Lucas Spence (28) fields fly ball by Athletics Lawrence Butler during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after striking out during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.\u00a0\u2014 Hunter Brown spun a slurve and got the ground ball he sought. Jeremy Pe\u00f1a fielded it to his right and flipped a throw to second base. Jose Altuve reached down and missed it.<\/p>\n

Margin for error is minimal in the final days of a division race.<\/a> More early malaise by the Houston Astros<\/a> lineup Friday magnified that further. Altuve\u2019s miscue opened the door for a deluge.<\/p>\n

\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after losing to the Athletics 6-5 during the ninth inning of an MLB baseball game at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

What might have been a double-play ball, or at least yielded one out, gave way to the A\u2019s mounting a six-run sixth inning that blew open a close game and proved decisive. With a chance to move to the brink of the playoffs, the Astros suffered a 6-5 loss at Sutter Health Park that left more work to do.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt terrible in the moment and right after when they scored all those runs,\u201d Altuve said. \u201cNot a good feeling. But somehow I\u2019ve got to turn the page around and be 100 percent ready for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

AL WEST: Scenarios with two games left<\/a><\/p>\n

The Astros could still clinch the American League West on Saturday. But they will require both a win over the A\u2019s and a loss by the Rangers, who fell to the Twins on Friday night. If both do not occur, the AL West race would come down to the season\u2019s final day.<\/p>\n

Houston could have reduced its magic number to one with a win Friday. Instead, it fell to 79-81, ensuring that it will finish with no better than a .500 record. With the Rangers also 79-81, the AL West will feature MLB\u2019s first division winner with a non-winning record in a full-length season in the divisional era.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

The A\u2019s, who have 96 losses and the worst bullpen ERA in the sport, nearly blew their lead in the eighth. Houston scored four runs in the inning and put the potential tying run at third base, with the go-ahead run at second. Luis Medina struck out Cam Smith to curtail the threat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to really turn the corner here and turn the page on this one and get ready for tomorrow,\u201d said manager Joe Espada. \u201cWe still control our destiny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Houston
\nAB
\nR
\nH
\nBI
\nBB
\nSO
\nAvg.<\/p>\n

Totals
\n30
\n5
\n5
\n4
\n6
\n8<\/p>\n

Pe\u00f1a ss
\n5
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n.271<\/p>\n

Alvarez dh
\n3
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n.315<\/p>\n

Paredes 3b
\n3
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n.260<\/p>\n

Altuve 2b
\n3
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n.249<\/p>\n

Diaz c
\n4
\n0
\n2
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n.281<\/p>\n

Walker 1b
\n3
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n.223<\/p>\n

Smith rf
\n3
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n2
\n.209<\/p>\n

Spence cf
\n4
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n2
\n.188<\/p>\n

Barrosa lf
\n2
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n.196<\/p>\n

b-Wade ph-lf
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n.206<\/p>\n

c-Vel\u00e1zquez ph
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n.190<\/p>\n

2-Trammell pr
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n.196<\/p>\n

Athletics
\nAB
\nR
\nH
\nBI
\nBB
\nSO
\nAvg.<\/p>\n

Totals
\n33
\n6
\n8
\n6
\n4
\n7<\/p>\n

Bolte cf-lf
\n5
\n1
\n2
\n2
\n0
\n0
\n.277<\/p>\n

Butler rf
\n4
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n.237<\/p>\n

Langeliers dh
\n3
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n2
\n.263<\/p>\n

McNeil 2b
\n4
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n.267<\/p>\n

Gelof 3b
\n4
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n.256<\/p>\n

Walton ss
\n2
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n.268<\/p>\n

Cortes lf
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n0
\n.255<\/p>\n

a-Stefanic ph
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n2
\n0
\n0
\n.346<\/p>\n

1-Clarke pr-cf
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n.151<\/p>\n

White 1b
\n4
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n2
\n.250<\/p>\n

Heim c
\n4
\n1
\n2
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n.206<\/p>\n

Houston
\n000
\n100
\n130_5
\n5
\n2<\/p>\n

Athletics
\n000
\n006
\n00x_6
\n8
\n0<\/p>\n

a-singled for Cortes in the 6th. b-walked for Barrosa in the 8th. c-walked for Wade in the 9th.<\/p>\n

1-ran for Stefanic in the 6th. 2-ran for Vel\u00e1zquez in the 9th.<\/p>\n

E_Paredes (9), Altuve (6). LOB_Houston 5, Athletics 8. 2B_Diaz (15). 3B_Bolte (2). HR_Walker (28), off Lopez; Smith (21), off Johnson. RBIs_Walker (85), Smith (55), Altuve (47), Diaz (44), Stefanic 2 (4), Heim (43), Bolte 2 (38), Butler (62). SF_Altuve. S_Walton.<\/p>\n

Runners left in scoring position_Houston 3 (Spence, Smith 2); Athletics 3 (Gelof 2, Heim). RISP_Houston 1 for 4; Athletics 3 for 9.<\/p>\n

GIDP_Pe\u00f1a, Butler.<\/p>\n

DP_Houston 1 (Pe\u00f1a, Altuve, Walker); 1 (Walton, McNeil, White).<\/p>\n

Houston
\nIP
\nH
\nR
\nER
\nBB
\nSO
\nNP
\nERA<\/p>\n

Brown, L, 6-4
\n5
\n1-3
\n2
\n2
\n1
\n4
\n4
\n100
\n3.19<\/p>\n

Sousa, BS, 0-2
\n0
\n3
\n3
\n3
\n0
\n0
\n5
\n6.00<\/p>\n

Blubaugh
\n2-3
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n15
\n3.66<\/p>\n

VanWey
\n1
\n1-3
\n2
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n2
\n34
\n1.54<\/p>\n

Hendrickson
\n2-3
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n4
\n3.38<\/p>\n

Athletics
\nIP
\nH
\nR
\nER
\nBB
\nSO
\nNP
\nERA<\/p>\n

Lopez, W, 7-5
\n6
\n2
\n1
\n1
\n2
\n4
\n94
\n5.47<\/p>\n

Johnson
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n0
\n1
\n14
\n6.19<\/p>\n

Hartlieb
\n1-3
\n1
\n3
\n3
\n2
\n1
\n17
\n4.78<\/p>\n

Medina, H, 13
\n2-3
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n17
\n3.08<\/p>\n

Harris, S, 17-24
\n1
\n0
\n0
\n0
\n1
\n1
\n14
\n3.33<\/p>\n

Sousa pitched to 3 batters in the 6th<\/p>\n

Inherited runners-scored_Sousa 2-2, Blubaugh 2-2, Hendrickson 2-0, Medina 3-3. WP_Medina.<\/p>\n

ABS Challenge_Brown (Ball-Confirmed); Brown (Ball-Overturned to Strike); McNeil (Strike-Confirmed); Brown (Ball-Confirmed); Walton (Strike-Confirmed).<\/p>\n

Umpires_Home, Ryan Wills; First, Gabe Morales; Second, Ryan Additon; Third, Will Little.<\/p>\n

T_2:55. A_9,012 (14,014).<\/p>\n

Even with their late threat, the Astros totaled five hits Friday. They had three before the eighth, two of them solo home runs by Christian Walker\u00a0\u2014 against left-hander Jacob Lopez, who was slippery over six innings\u00a0\u2014 and Smith. A comeback that fell short amplified the critical sequence.<\/p>\n

A costly sixth inning<\/p>\n

Brown carried a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning. Jeff McNeil served a 2-2 cutter for a leadoff single. Brown thrives on ground-ball contact. He came into the night with the second-highest ground-ball rate among pitchers with at least 100 innings this season. Infield defense is imperative as a result.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

So are sources of offense, however. And a night after Yordan Alvarez drew a start in left field he was back at designated hitter, requiring Altuve, baseball\u2019s lowest-rated second baseman by runs saved this season, per Sports Info Solutions, to man the position.<\/p>\n

Gelof\u2019s chopper pulled Pe\u00f1a far enough that Altuve might not have turned a double play, anyway. But his drop left runners on first and second with nobody out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI missed it,\u201d said Altuve, who said it was \u201c100 percent\u201d a play he should make.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeremy made a nice play getting in the hole trying to get the force out at second,\u201d Espada said. \u201cWe know how good Altuve is around that bag, can really turn a double play. Throw was a little bit low, but we\u2019ve seen Jose come up with that throw in the past and turn that double play. It was a big play.\u201d<\/p>\n

A bunt put both runners in scoring position in a one-run game. Espada emerged to remove Brown, at 100 pitches, who did not look pleased. Brown said he \u201cfelt I was in a god spot in the order\u201d but there \u201cwas no discussion\u201d about potentially staying in the game.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

The inning spiraled from there. Bennett Sousa, pitching for a third time in four days, replaced Brown and faced three hitters. All struck singles. The A\u2019s led 3-1 as Espada emerged again and called on AJ Blubaugh, the majors\u2019 leader in relief innings.<\/p>\n

Henry Bolte drove a fastball to right field, off the base of the wall, for a two-run triple. Houston pulled its infield in, but Bolte still scored on a chopper to Walker, the first baseman, who yanked his throw to home plate. The A\u2019s sent 10 hitters to the plate in a six-run inning that held up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just couldn\u2019t execute some pitches there and get a quick out,\u201d Espada said. \u201cTrying to minimize the damage and we couldn\u2019t\u2019 get it done. But that\u2019s part of this game. We\u2019ve got to turn the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Offense against Jacob Lopez<\/p>\n

Lopez entered with a 5.68 ERA, having allowed 10 runs in his last start against Cleveland. The left-hander owned a 2.18 ERA in four career starts against the Astros, however, including throwing six innings of one-run ball on Aug. 22 in Houston.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Espada deemed Lopez a \u201ctough at-bat\u201d after that outing. With a low release and soft arsenal, Lopez ranks in the 99th percentile of major-league pitchers at subduing exit velocity. He followed the same formula Friday night.<\/p>\n

Astros hitters averaged just an 85.9 mph exit velocity on 16 balls put into play against Lopez. Aside from Walker\u2019s home run, Lopez allowed one other Astro into scoring position in six innings. Yainer Diaz pulled a double in the second. Three ensuing hitters could not advance him.<\/p>\n

Lopez nibbled, throwing 55 strikes on 94 pitches. The Astros chased at just a 20% clip against him, but he entered the zone enough to issue just two walks while striking out four. Walker\u2019s home run, the 28th this season for the first baseman, and Diaz\u2019s double were the only hits Lopez allowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe pitched really good, the changeup, slider, cutter he was throwing,\u201d Altuve said. \u201cHe did a great job. But we came back and scored some runs right after but obviously not enough. But tomorrow\u2019s another day .\u201d<\/p>\n

Hunter Brown undone in sixth<\/p>\n

Brown bulled his way into the sixth inning. He allowed two hits, singles at 90.1 and 92.4 mph off the bat. His infield did little to help.<\/p>\n

Both starters seemed to take issue with the mound in the first inning. A groundskeeper tended to it prior to the second. Brown still issued a walk in each of his first four innings. In the third, a walk and an error by third baseman Isaac Paredes put runners on second and third with no outs. Brown froze McNeil with a front-door sinker for strike three and got a groundout from Gelof to escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really not concerned about walking guys,\u201d Brown said. \u201cTight game, we\u2019re clearly trying to win all these games, so I\u2019m not going to give in, especially in a 1-0 game. Really not concerned about working around walks, just going to attack guys and try and do that in the best way that I can, which is trying to avoid damage and create weak contact. And I thought I did a good job of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brown popped his glove as he left the mound. He finished the third at 58 pitches. He needed 21 more to get through four batters in the fourth, navigating a one-out walk. He turned in his first clean inning in the fifth, finishing it with a strikeout of Shea Langeliers on his 91st pitch, a sinker at 96.1 mph.<\/p>\n

The sinker again proved Brown\u2019s most reliable pitch. He threw 35 on 100 pitches, locating it better than his four-seam fastball, which he landed in-zone 36% of the time, per Statcast. The A\u2019s struggled to solve any of his offerings, averaging just an 83.8 mph exit velocity on 16 balls put in play against him. Brown, coming off consecutive 10-strikeout starts, induced just seven whiffs on 40 swings.<\/p>\n

He still held the A\u2019s scoreless until the sixth. He was charged with two runs, one earned, after departing. Brown has a 3.19 ERA in 107 innings. His next start would be in a playoff game\u00a0\u2014 if he gets that chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust disappointed that we didn\u2019t come out on top of that one,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after losing to the Athletics 6-5 during the ninth…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":448341,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[56,58,57],"class_list":["post-448340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston","tag-houston","tag-houston-headlines","tag-houston-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/448340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=448340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/448340\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/448341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=448340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=448340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=448340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}