Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz (1) reacts after initially being called out by second base umpire Brennan Miller, left, during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid in Houston on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 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.

#2 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.

#3 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. 

#4 Sam Moll had relieved James Kaprielian in the sixth inning. Jordan Alvarez did score on a wild pitch from Moll and Houston had taken a 2-0 lead.

#5 The A’s open a four game series with the Seattle Mariners on Monday night at T Mobile Park in Seattle starting pitchers 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.

Join Barbara for the Oakland A’s podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com