Ninth-inning rally sends A's past reeling Astros
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.