Astros 3, Athletics 2
Brad Peacock pitched seven strong innings as Houston earned a rare win over host Oakland in the opener of a four-game series.
Jose Altuve had a pair of hits and an RBI while Chris Carter singled in a run as the Astros improved to 4-12 against the Athletics this season and dropped them one-half game behind first-place Texas in the American League West.
Peacock (4-5) won for the third time in four starts, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out nine, and Josh Fields got the final four outs for his third save. Oakland's Sonny Gray (2-3) gave up three runs - two earned - over eight innings and retired 19 of 20 in one stretch after falling into the early three-run hole.
Carter put the Astros on the board in the first inning with a run-scoring single for his team-high 74th RBI. Altuve's base hit plated a second run in the second frame, and another scored when Yoenis Cespedes misplayed the ball in left field.
The Athletics were shut down by Peacock on three hits through seven innings, but Eric Sogard tripled to lead off the eighth and scored on Stephen Vogt's double, ending Peacock's night. After Jed Lowrie reached on a bunt, Alberto Callaspo dropped another to bring home Vogt on a close play at the plate that led to the ejection of Houston manager Bo Porter.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Athletics C Vogt's run-scoring double in the eighth inning extended his hitting streak to eight games. ... Astros C Jason Castro (knee) and 3B Matt Dominguez (illness) both were out of the lineup for the third straight game. ... Athletics RF Josh Reddick (sprained wrist) will take batting practice either over the weekend or early next week. He is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.