Sacramento A’s Lawrence Butler (4) is congratulated by Max Muncy (3) after scoring in the top of the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Sat Aug 22, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Daniel Dullum
A strong start from Jacob Lopez and a late rally gave the Sacramento Athletics a 4-3 win at Houston over the Houston Astros Saturday, snapping a eve-game losing streak.
Lopez gave up one run on three hits while striking out nine – a season high – while throwing 40 pitches in six innings. Luis Medina (5-3) picked up the win in relief and Elvis Alvarado earned his third save, striking out two in a scoreless ninth.
Houston was leading 3-1 in the top of the eighth when Jeff McNeil left off for the A’s with a base hit, followed by a walk issued to Zack Gelof. Alika Williams bunted them to second and third, McNeil scored on a wild pitch and Gelof scored the tying run on Lawrence Butler’s RBI single.
The A’s took a 4-3 lead when Tommy White hit a double and Jonah Heim drove him in with a run-scoring groundout.
Donovan Walton opened the scoring for the A’s with a solo home run to center that was hit an estimated 422 feet. The Astros tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI double by Yainer Diaz. Houston took a 3-1 lead in the seventh on Daulton Varsha’s solo home run and an RBI single.
Hunter Brown started for the Astros and worked 5 2/3 innings. Bennett Sousa (1-2) took the loss.
In Sunday’s series finale, Brady Basso (0-0, 2.91) starts for the A’s and Cristian Javier (1-4, 5.44) is on the mound for Houston in a matchup of right-handers. Game time is 11 a.m. Pacific.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
