Final
Ninth-inning rally sends A's past reeling Astros
Apr 20, 2014 - 1:20 AM Oakland, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Josh Reddick capped a three-run ninth inning with an RBI single, giving the Oakland Athletics a 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday.Holding a 3-1 lead, the Astros sent Chad Qualls (0-1) to the mound in the bottom of the ninth. Jed Lowrie started Oakland's rally with a leadoff homer to right. Josh Donaldson walked and Yoenis Cespedes singled before pinch- hitter John Jaso struck out swinging. Alberto Callaspo and Reddick followed with back-to-back RBI singles to complete the come-from-behind victory.
"We didn't close it out," Houston manager Bo Porter said. "Our bullpen has been taxed and he (Qualls) was the most rested guy."
Dan Otero (3-0) picked up the win after tossing a scoreless top of the ninth. Oakland starter Scott Kazmir allowed three runs -- two earned -- on six hits while striking out five over eight innings.
"Just go as deep as I can," Kazmir said, "and as long we got it close, I feel like we got a good chance."
Jonathan Villar went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs scored for the Astros, who have dropped six straight. Matt Dominguez knocked in a run.
Brett Oberholtzer got the start for Houston and gave up one run on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Villar's homer to right-center field in the third inning.
The A's responded with a run of their own in the bottom half. Daric Barton led off with a double to right-center field and crossed the plate on Craig Gentry's double to left.
Houston took the lead back in the fourth when Chris Carter scored on Dominguez's single after Carter reached base on a double.
The Astros tacked on another run in the fifth. Villar doubled to left-center field, stole third and scored on catcher Derek Norris' throwing error.
Oakland loaded the bases in the sixth, but Anthony Bass retired Jed Lowrie to keep it 3-1.
Houston stranded a runner on third in the ninth.
Game Notes
The A's are now 22-5 all-time against the Astros ... Oakland went 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position and stranded 14 ... The Athletics had 14 hits, compared to seven for the Astros.
- HOUSTON: 3
OAKLAND: 4
Final
Apr 19 7:15 PM - Alberto Callaspo singled to center scored Josh Donaldson. On the play, Yoenis Cespedes advances to third. Runners on first and third with one out and Josh Reddick due up.
Astros 3, Athletics 3 Bot 9, 1 OutApr 19 7:12 PM - Jed Lowrie lead-off Home Run (2) to right. Josh Donaldson due up.
Astros 3, Athletics 2 Bot 9, 0 OutsApr 19 7:04 PM - Jonathan Villar stole third and scored on Derek Norris's throwing error. None on with two outs and Dexter Fowler at the plate.
Astros 3, Athletics 1 Top 5, 2 OutsApr 19 5:37 PM - Matt Dominguez singled to center scored Chris Carter. Runner on first with one out and L.J. Hoes due up.
Astros 2, Athletics 1 Top 4, 1 OutApr 19 5:15 PM - Craig Gentry doubled to left scored Daric Barton. Runner on second with none out and Jed Lowrie due up.
Astros 1, Athletics 1 Bot 3, 0 OutsApr 19 4:57 PM - Jonathan Villar one-out, solo Home Run (3) to center. Jose Altuve due up.
Astros 1, Athletics 0 Top 3, 1 OutApr 19 4:44 PM - HOUSTON: 0
OAKLAND: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
Apr 19 4:07 PM
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