~  (AP Photo/Richard Carson)

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ The number two affected Oakland in more ways than one against the Houston Astros Saturday, in a 3-0 loss.

Marwin Gonzalez became the hero when on a 3-0 pitch, he hit a two-run single with the bases loaded.

Starting pitchers Collin McHugh (The Astros, 1-2) and Kendall Graveman (3-4) almost pitched identically, going six innings with six strikeouts and giving up six hits. They only had a two walk difference, which equated to the two run score differential until the eighth inning.

Houston surpassed their season-high five double plays, turning four of them in the final four innings.

Both teams had their best chance in consecutive half-innings.

In the top of the fourth, A’s former Astro Jed Lowrie had a leadoff single and after a line out double play, Oakland had two more singles. Matt Chapman recorded the final out though on a flyout.

Next is when Houston responded by loading the bases.  Jose Atulve led off with a walk and stole second before Josh Reddick also walked. Yuli Gurriel then singled to load the bases.

McHugh followed with a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth.

With one out in the first half-inning, the A’s Marcus Semien had the game’s first and extra base hit with a double. He was then tagged out on a fielder’s choice.

The Astros threatened in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff infield single and a walk. Atulve grounded into a double play though.

In the bottom of the fifth, Houston’s Alex Bregman hit a double but was thrown out at home plate. The call was upheld after review.  

Bregman got his run with a home run in the bottom of the eighth. That same inning Atulve almost became the sole AL stolen bases leader, but upon review, it was overturned.

From inning six to inning nine, Oakland got at least one man on base, but their progress was cut short with the Astros’ turning of double plays. The final one came when Ryon Healy was called safe at first. It was challenged and overturned, a call finally going Houston’s way, but unfortunately for the A’s, this time resulting in a game-ending double play. Tyler Clippard earned his first save for the Astros.

Game notes: Atulve now is in a tie for the AL stolen bases lead with 28. Graveman had two 1-2-3 innings. McHugh, who got his first win and faced the A’s for the first time this season, continued his success versus them. The teams will wrap this series up 11:10am Sunday.