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A's clobber Astros in series finale

Jul 25, 2014 - 3:54 AM Oakland, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Brandon Moss hit a grand slam in a five-run sixth inning, as Oakland finished off Houston thanks to a 13-1 decision in Thursday's rubber match of a three-game series.

Stephen Vogt hit a three-run double and Derek Norris added three hits, two runs scored and drove in a run for the Athletics, who have won fiver of their last seven overall.

Josh Reddick doubled twice, scored once and added an RBI, while Josh Donaldson went 2-for-3 and crossed home twice for Oakland.

Jeff Samardzija (2-1) scattered five hits and one run over eight innings, striking out six and failing to issue a walk.

"I love it when people expect a lot from you," Samardzija said after having to go long to spell a tired bullpen.

Chris Carter's fourth-inning solo homer was the only meaningful offense for the Astros, who have dropped five of their last seven.

Scott Feldman (4-8) was tagged for nine hits and six runs along with a season-high five walks over 5 1/3 frames.

"It was a battle for him all day," Astros manager Bo Porter said of Feldman. "Early in the game he had his breaking ball working. They started laying off until it came back through the zone."

Up by a 4-1 count, the hosts blew the game open in the sixth. Eric Sogard walked, Coco Crisp singled and Donaldson was plunked by Anthony Bass before Moss cleared the wall in right to give the A's an 8-1 edge. Norris then walked, advanced on a wild pitch, moved to third on a groundout and scored on a solid single from Jed Lowrie.

"It was one of those things where I got a good pitch to hit and I didn't miss that one," said Moss.

Four more crossed the plate in the bottom of the eighth to cap the rout, as Vogt cleared the bases with a double and Reddick's sacrifice fly plated Nate Freiman.

Oakland scored three times in the third inning off Feldman. Reddick doubled and Sogard walked to start, then Donaldson kept the frame alive with a two-out RBI single. He stole second, then advanced to third while Sogard scored on a wild pitch. After Moss drew a free pass to put runners on the corners, a Norris single brought in Donaldson.

Carter's liner to left caromed off the foul pole to give Houston its first run of the afternoon with one down in the fourth. The A's countered in the home half as Lowrie singled, moved to third on a Reddick double and scored on a Crisp fly to right.

Game Notes

Oakland has won 10 of its last 12 home games ... Donaldson has accumulated four home runs, five doubles, 12 RBI and 12 walks in 10 games against Houston this season ... The Astros finished their road trip at 2-4 ... Prior to the contest, Oakland designated former closer Jim Johnson for assignment and recalled right-handed pitcher Evan Scribner from Triple-A Sacramento ... Carter has 15 RBI in 16 July contests.