HOUSTON — Jason Heyward made a shocking step against Astros in Houston just now, which lead to
HOUSTON — Jason Heyward hit a two-run homer early, and Jon Singleton contributed three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Houston’s four-run eighth inning, as the Astros secured a 6-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.
Brent Rooker hit a solo home run off Ryan Pressly (2-3) in the eighth to tie the game at 2.
Yainer Diaz and Kyle Tucker hit back-to-back singles in the eighth inning, forcing T.J. McFarland (2-3) out of the game, with Grant Holman taking over. With two outs, Singleton’s single to center scored Diaz, putting Houston in the lead.
“He’s been a huge contributor,” said Astros Manager Joe Espada. “Big hits, quality at-bats, finding the barrel—Jon has been doing a really great job.”
Singleton has seen his playing time reduced as Espada rotates other players at first base.
“You just go out and do your job,” Singleton said. “I’m thankful for every opportunity I get.”
Jake Meyers added an RBI double before the A’s intentionally walked Heyward, loading the bases. Mauricio Dubon followed with a two-run single to left, extending Houston’s lead to 6-2.
“When we can get key hits from everyone, we manage to score runs late in the game,” Espada added.
Tyler Nevin homered off Josh Hader in the ninth, but Hader retired the next two batters to close out the game.
Framber Valdez pitched 6 1/3 innings for Houston, allowing five hits and one run, striking out six, helping the Astros avoid a sweep and snap their three-game losing streak.
Oakland starter Mitch Spence gave up seven hits and two runs over seven innings.
“Spence was terrific,” said A’s Manager Mark Kotsay. “Seven solid innings against a strong lineup. He continues to impress.”
Singleton hit a ground-rule double in the second inning before Heyward launched a line-drive home run, his first as an Astro, to give Houston a 2-0 lead.
“It’s the best time of the year, heading into October, controlling your own destiny,” Heyward said. “Being able to contribute and put two runs on the board felt great.”
Heyward, who signed with Houston on August 29 after being released by the Dodgers, recorded his third hit in 12 games.
In the seventh, Oakland’s Jacob Wilson doubled, advanced to third on a groundout by Nevin, and scored on a Daz Cameron single, cutting Houston’s lead to 2-1 and chasing Valdez from the game.
Bryan Abreu came in relief, and Seth Brown grounded into a double play on the second pitch, preserving the lead.
Lawrence Butler extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a double in the third inning.
Singleton doubled again to start the fourth, but Spence retired the next 11 Astros. Houston’s next baserunner came on a Dubon double in the seventh, but Alex Bregman grounded out, stranding him.