By Charlie O. Mallonee

The great baseball adage is that “good pitching beats good hitting”. That was true on Sunday afternoon in Houston as the Astros beat the Athletics 5-1. Houston starter Collin McHugh established control of the game and guided his team to the victory in the fourth and final game of the four-game series.

McHugh pitched 8.2 innings giving up just one-run on two-hits. The A’s only run was scored in the top of the ninth inning with two outs. McHugh struck out seven and walked just three batters. His ERA is now an impressive 0.59 as McHugh improved to 2-0 in two starts this season for the Astros.

McHugh started the season with a career record of 0-8 in the Major Leagues. He was 0-4 in 2013. McHugh won his first start versus Seattle pitching 6.2 scoreless innings while striking out 12. His performance on Sunday makes a strong statement that 2014 is going to be a different kind of season for 27-year old right-hander.

McHugh was helped to victory with good run support by the Astros. Houston scored five-runs on seven-hits. The middle-infielders led the way on offense. Second baseman Jose Altuve went two for four including one homerun, two RBI and one run scored. Shortstop Jonathan Villar went two for three including a double and a triple. Villar posted two RBI and two runs scored.

The A’s only score came in the top the ninth inning. With two out, Brandon Moss was hit by pitch. The home plate umpire did not call the hit by pitch and A’s manager Bob Melvin challenged the call. Replay clearly showed the ball hitting Moss’ left foot. With Alberto Callaspo hitting, Moss stole second base. Callaspo singled to center allowing Moss to score.

Oakland’s only other base hit came in the top of the first inning when Jed Lowrie singled to right field.

A’s starter Tommy Milone gave up four-runs (all earned) on five-hits while striking out two and walking two in 6.2 innings of work. Dan Otero worked one-third of an inning and gave up one run. Jim Johnson worked one scoreless inning of relief.

The loss dropped the A’s record to 15-10 for the season and their road record to 9-4. Oakland leaves Houston with a 2-2 split in the four-game series.

The A’s left after the game for Dallas-Ft. Worth to play a three-game series with the Texas Rangers. Game one of the series on Monday night may prove to be a pitching duel as Oakland sends Sonny Gray (3-1, 2.25) to the mound to face-off with Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.61).