Astros Edge Athletics 7-5 as Spence Hits Three Homers

Astros Take the Lead

The Houston Astros defeated the Athletics 7-5 on Friday, September 25, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. The victory improved Houston's record to 79-80, while the Athletics fell to 63-96. Attendance for the contest was 9,367.

Spence Powers Offense

Walker Spence was the standout performer for the visitors, hitting three home runs. His first homer in the second inning to right center field (429 feet) drove in two runs, giving Houston a 3-0 lead. Spence added a solo shot to right center (387 feet) in the seventh inning and another solo homer to right (351 feet) in the ninth inning to seal the win.

A-Club Response

The Athletics mounted a strong offensive response. Yonder Alonso scored on a home run to right center by McNeil in the third inning. The A's tied the game at 3-3 with that play. Gelof then hit a solo homer to center (413 feet) in the bottom of the third to give Sacramento a 4-3 lead. Paredes tied the game at 4-4 with a solo homer to left (394 feet) in the sixth inning. Walker added a solo homer to left center (436 feet) in the eighth inning to give Houston a 6-4 lead, but Gelof hit a solo homer to left center (398 feet) in the bottom of the eighth to pull the A's within 6-5.

Pitching Staffs

For the Astros, Peter Lambert pitched 2.2 innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs while striking out six batters. Bryan King pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and no earned runs with three strikeouts. Miguel Ullola earned the win, pitching 3.0 innings with one hit, no earned runs, and three strikeouts. Bennett Sousa recorded the hold, pitching 0.2 innings with two hits, one earned run, and two strikeouts. Bryan Abreu secured the save, pitching 1.1 innings with one hit, one walk, and no strikeouts.

The Athletics' Mason Barnett pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four hits and four earned runs while striking out eight batters. Scott Blewett took the loss, pitching 1.0 inning with three hits and one earned run. Chris Roycroft pitched 1.0 inning with one hit, one earned run, and two strikeouts. Elvis Alvarado pitched 1.0 inning with two hits and one earned run.

Sources

ESPN