The Oakland Athletics suffered another setback on the road, losing 11-4 to the Houston Astros in a game that underscored ongoing struggles with their pitching staff. While Luis Severino delivered a solid start, the Athletics’ bullpen faltered, allowing the Astros to pull away and secure a commanding win. This marked a second straight loss for Oakland, raising concerns about the team’s ability to contain a potent Houston lineup.
Severino Delivers Five Strong Innings on the Mound
Luis Severino took the mound for the Athletics and pitched admirably through five innings, conceding just two earned runs on nine hits. He struck out five batters and issued only one walk, showing resilience against a strong Astros offense. Severino’s control helped keep Oakland competitive deep into the game, despite facing pressure from Houston’s hitters. His consistent performance, however, was overshadowed by the struggles that followed from the relief pitchers.
Early Offensive Exchange Sets the Tone
The game started positively for the Athletics when catcher Austin Wynns brought in Nick Kurtz, giving the team a 1-0 edge early on. Houston quickly responded, with Mauricio Dubón hitting a home run off Severino in the third inning, tying the score. This was Dubón’s third homer of the season. The Astros gained momentum in the fifth inning when Jeremy Peña drove in Victor Caratini, allowing Houston to take a 2-1 lead and shift the game’s momentum in their favor.
Astros Break Open the Game in the Sixth Inning
In the sixth inning, the Astros exploded offensively. Jose Altuve’s three-run homer extended Houston’s lead to 5-1, sending the Athletics reeling. The inning quickly unraveled for Oakland, as Cam Smith followed with an RBI double, and then Victor Caratini hit a three-run home run, putting the Astros ahead 9-1. Despite Nick Kurtz’s late home run, his eighth of the season, Oakland was unable to mount a comeback as Houston dominated the remainder of the contest.
Athletics’ Bullpen Issues Deepen Problems
The Athletics’ bullpen once again failed to hold the lead or stem the Astros’ offensive surge. Tyler Ferguson, who has struggled throughout the season, was unable to slow Houston’s momentum. The ninth inning saw Hogan Harris allowed more runs, further increasing the deficit and sealing the game in favor of the Astros. These relief pitching difficulties represent a critical weakness for Oakland as they search for consistency.
Looking Forward to the Series Finale and What It Means for Oakland
As the Athletics prepare for the final game of the series against Houston, much depends on the performance of 27-year-old left-handed pitcher Jacob Lopez. Lopez has shown potential recently, with two strong outings where he struck out nine batters each. Facing the strong Astros lineup, he will be tasked with providing the stability the team has lacked from the bullpen.
The Athletics’ offense will also face left-hander Colton Gordon, a pitcher with a 4.70 ERA this season, presenting an opportunity for Oakland to generate early runs. An immediate offensive surge will be necessary if the Athletics hope to regain control before relying again on a bullpen that has consistently struggled to contain opponents.
Challenges Ahead for Oakland as They Seek to Rebuild Momentum
The Athletics find themselves at a pivotal juncture, struggling to overcome both bullpen vulnerabilities and offensive inconsistencies. While Luis Severino’s steady start gives the team some encouragement, it also highlights the broader challenges facing Oakland. The upcoming game offers a chance to revitalize their season and restore confidence among fans, but it will require a collective effort across both pitching and hitting departments.
“A’s bullpen struggles were once again on full display, particularly with Tyler Ferguson’s continued difficulties.” —Anonymous coach