By Matthew Harrington

The Oakland Athletics did their part Monday night in finding a way to return to the top of the American League West Standings. The A’s beat the Houston Astros 8-2 at Minute Maid Park, riding a dominant performance from Jeff Samardzija to victory. Josh Donaldson knocked in three runs while Derek Norris and Josh Reddick picked up a pair of RBIs apiece.

Samardzija (6-10, 3.23 ERA) turned in a much-needed deep outing for the Athletics, pitching eight solid innings of two-run ball. Samardzija, who fanned a whopping 10 Astros Monday, provided some respite for a taxed Oakland bullpen that was called upon to pitch six innings Sunday against the Angels after starter Scott Kazmir scuffled.

The A’s (77-53) staked Samardzija to an early lead after a run-scoring double off the bat of Josh Donaldson in the top of the third inning, then added two more runs an inning later on Josh Reddick’s 10^th home run of the season off Houston starter Scott Feldman. Feldman (7-10, 4.34) yielded three runs over seven innings of work, taking the loss for the Astros.

In the eighth inning, Former Athletic Chris Carter lifted his 31^st long ball of the season to right field, blemishing Samardzija’s shutout bid. The blast, coming with a man on, drew the Astros (55-77) within one run at 3-2.

Eric O’Flaherty, installed by manager Bob Melvin as interim A’s closer after All-star Sean Doolittle hit the disabled list Sunday with a strained right intercostal, looked en route to get his first save opportunity in his new role. While the lefty was loosening up with the A’s at the plate in the top of the ninth, his offense decided to delay him of his first chance. Oakland exploded for five runs in the frame to stake O’Flaherty to an 8-2. O’Flaherty worked his way around a double and walk to pitch a scoreless ninth and nail down the win.

The win, mixed with an Angels loss to the Marlins Monday, means Oakland now stands tied atop the West with Los Angeles. They’ll turn to Jason Hammel Tuesday night in hopes of maintaining the top spot in the division. Hammel will be opposed by the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel.

Joining Oakland Tuesday night will be newly-acquired catcher Geovany Soto. Soto, acquired Sunday from the Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, will take the place of John Jaso. Jaso was placed on the seven-day disabled list after suffering a concussion Sunday. The A’s also moved Kyle Blanks to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for Soto. Oakland also added minor league catcher Bryan Anderson from the Cincinnati Reds for cash as a contingency plan.