In this slowed down shutter speed photo Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez looks like he’s inside a Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card throws against the Oakland A’s at Minute Field in Houston on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

Oakland Swept By Astros Losing Game Three 2-0

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Oakland Athletics (10-38) played game three of their series with the Houston Astros (27-19) and couldn’t avoid getting swept by the Astros at Minute Maid Park 2-0. Saturday’s game was not decided until the eighth inning. Oakland played a very competitive game but just didn’t have enough to get past Houston in the Saturday contest and couldn’t get a run on Sunday getting shutout.

There were some really encouraging moments in the Saturday game that started with pitcher JP Sears who was outstanding after digging out of a deep hole in the first inning. Another highlight were the two stolen bases from Esteury Ruiz who has been a standout this season. With the losses mounting, special moments like these need to be recognized and appreciated.

Sunday’s post game wrap: Sunday the A’s were looking to win at least one game and avoid the sweep.

The first four innings were a pitchers duel and the A’s had the only hit. James Kaprielian went five innings and finished with five strikeouts, three hits and one run. After holding the Astros for four innings Jose Altuve singled in the fifth inning and Jake Meyers scored the Astros first run of the game 1-0.

The bottom of the sixth inning was a busy one for the Astros. A couple of walks and a Yordan Alvarez double and the Astros were threatening. Sam Moll had relieved Kaprielian in the inning. Alvarez did score on a wild pitch from Moll and Houston had taken a 2-0 lead.

The Astros agains threatened in the seventh inning. They had the bases loaded but the A’s kept the Astros off the scoreboard getting out of the inning.

Oakland had been able to hold off the Astros numerous times but were unable to generate any offense of their own. They had one last chance heading into the ninth inning with the Astros leading 2-0. Nick Allen had a hit in the inning but that was about it for the A’s. Houston had won their seventh game in a row and had their second sweep in a row. The Astros are the hottest team in baseball right now and certainly had proven it.

It was a tough loss for Oakland. They did a lot of things right today but didn’t have the offense to get on the scoreboard. The A’s did get to see another Ruiz steal which has become routine for this guy.

The Athletics will travel up to Seattle and T Mobile Park to take on the Mariners Monday night in a four game series. Kyle Muller will take the mound for Oakland with an 1-3 record 7.71 ERA. Luis Castillo will be on the hill for Seattle with a 2-2 record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM.