by Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s were trying to get a two-game winning streak going against the Houston Astros Tuesday night in Houston. The A’s had their ace, Sonny Gray, on the hill while the Astros gave the ball to Roberto Hernandez. It was the first time in his career that Gray has pitched in Minute Maid Park and it did not go well for him or the A’s as they lost 6-4. Gray absorbed his second loss of the season. Gray went five innings and allowed three runs and seven hits. The A’s relieved failed again as the Astros scored three runs in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Fernando Rodriguez went 2 1/3rd innings in relief allowing just one hit but was charged with an earned run after he was relieved by Fernando Abad. Abad has not been effective this year and he was ineffective again as gave up home runs to Colby Rasmus and Jason Castro.

There were two bright spots in the game for the A’s. Max Muncy hit his second home run of the year and, lo and behold, the defense did not commit an error. Be still my heart!!! The lowlights were the bullpen and the A’s ran themselves out of the game with baserunning blunders. Hope Bob Melvin keeps his cool.

Jesse Hahn will pitch for Oakland on Wednesday and Houston will counter with their ace, Dallas Keuchel. Game time is 11:10 am PT.

The A’s released the following information regarding the surgery performed on Jarrod Parker Tuesday.– Oakland A’s right-handed pitcher Jarrod Parker underwent successful right elbow surgery, the club announced today. The surgery was performed this afternoon by Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Fla.  Parker’s previous revised ulnar collateral ligament did not need repairing and the avulsed medial  epicondyle fracture was cleaned up andrepaired.  Parker is currently resting comfortably.  Parker underwent “Tommy John”surgery for the second time in his career March 24, 2014.  He began a rehab assignment with Single-A Stockton April 23 and made two starts with the Ports and two at Triple-A Nashville before injuring his elbow with the Sounds May 8 against Round Rock.  Parker combined for  2-1 record and a 5.79 ERA in his four rehab starts.