Athletics 12 - 5 Astros
Final
  for this game

Seven-run ninth inning lifts A's past Astros

Apr 26, 2014 - 6:59 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Daric Barton's bases-loaded single broke a tie during a seven-run ninth inning, boosting the Oakland Athletics to a 12-5 win over the Houston Astros.

Josh Donaldson's two-run homer, his third round-tripper in two nights, capped the uprising and helped the A's take two in a row in this series. Coco Crisp had an RBI groundout and Derek Norris doubled in a run in the big frame, which included a big error by Astros rookie outfielder George Springer.

Jed Lowrie also knocked in two runs for the A's, who took the opener of this four-game set, 10-1, on Thursday.

Jose Altuve had three hits and an RBI for the Astros, losers of three straight and 10-of-12.

Josh Fields (0-2) hit Brandon Moss with a pitch to start the ninth. Alberto Callaspo then singled to center and Craig Gentry bunted for a hit. With the infield drawn in, Barton then smashed a ball past Altuve at second. Springer then ran past the ball in right-center for an error and all three runners on base scored.

After Nick Punto doubled, Anthony Bass entered, but Barton scored on Crisp's groundout and Norris doubled to left. Two batters later, Donaldson belted one over the wall in left.

"He's very important to us," A's manager Bob Melvin said about Donaldson.

Moss was plunked for the second time in the inning and the contest turned testy in the bottom of the ninth. Jason Castro was hit by a Fernando Abad pitch on the left leg. Astros manager Bo Porter was then ejected after arguing with home plate umpire Jordan Baker.

"Obviously they have to have some feel and know that we aren't trying to hit the guy with two outs and two strikes," said Astros catcher Jason Castro. "The guy was hit earlier. He stands as close as you possibly can stand without being out of the batter's box."

Luke Gregerson (1-1) pitched the eighth to get the win, while Jesse Chavez worked the first five frames for the A's. Brad Peacock also pitched the opening five innings for the Astros.

Josh Reddick tripled to center to plate the opening tally during a four-run second. Barton reached safely on an error from shortstop Jonathan Villar for a 2-0 lead. Lowrie later lined a single to right with the bases full for the 4-0 edge.

Altuve had an RBI double in the third, but the A's got the run back in the fourth on John Jaso's sacrifice fly.

Houston tied it 5-5 in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a two-run throwing error on Donaldson. He tossed the ball into the stands.

Game Notes

The Astros placed pitcher Matt Albers on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. The team also recalled pitcher Jose Cisnero from Triple-A Oklahoma City ... Eric Sogard swiped second in the sixth inning to extend Oakland's run to 12 straight successful stolen base tries. The A's are 16- for-17 for the season ... Oakland was 5-for-21 with men in scoring position and stranded 13.






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