Controversial Call In Third And Homer By Hoes In 12th Doom A’s, Lose 3-2

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics argues a call with umpire Adam Hamari #78 and umpire Alfonso Marquez #72 during the third inning against the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum on July 22, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) — OAKLAND, CA – JULY 22: Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics argues a call with umpire Adam Hamari #78 and umpire Alfonso Marquez #72 during the third inning against the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum on July 22, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)

By Kahlil Najar

OAKLAND – Scott Kazmir went for seven solid innings but the A’s offense stalled in the sixth and lost to the Houston Astros in twelve innings. Losing pitcher Francisco Abad (2-4) gave up a home run in the top of the inning to L.J. Hoes to seal the victory for Houston.

EIght different A’s players got a hit tonight but Coco Crisp had a night to forget as he went 0 for 6 with two strikeouts including the game ending K in the 12th. For Houston, Jose Altuve went 3 for six and former Oakland Athletic Chris Carter went 3 for 5 as they provided most of the offense on the night aside from the Hoes home run.

Houston scored a pair of runs in the top of third to get on the board first however they were earned with a bit of controversy. With Marwin Gonzalez on first, Jose Altuve hit a grounder that was deflected off of Kazmir and landed in Josh Donaldson’s glove. When Donaldson went to make the throw to first it alluded Frieman and both runners advanced to second and third. However when Altuve was running to first base he was running out of the base path and on the grass in the infield which Bob Melvin came out to argue caused the error by Donaldson. After some jawing back and forth, Melvin conceded and then Chris Carter hit a single to get both runners in and make it a 2-0 lead for the Astros.

In the bottom of the third, Josh Donaldson grounded into a force out but was able to bring in Craig Genrty who was already on third after stealing second and third base earlier in the inning and brought the score to 2-1.

The A’s tied it in the bottom of the sixth when after Donaldson’s 15th double of the year and a single by Norris and landed him on third; Jed Lowire hit a sac fly to right field and tied the game at two a piece.

In the 12th, Abad was brought in to replace Otreo and gave up the home run to Hoes to give the Astros their third straight victory over the A’s, a new franchise record for them.

Houston and Oakland head back at it tomorrow when the A’s send Jesse Chavez up against Houston’s Brad Peacock, game time 7:05pm PST.

GAME NOTES – Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie will be throwing out the first pitch before tomorrow’s game.