The A's beat the Astros 3-1 on June 18, 2025, to snap their skid. JP Sears dominated for 6 innings and Brent Rooker's double provided the key runs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
'We’ve been grinding through some tough games, but tonight the guys came out aggressive and executed.' - Manager Mark Kotsay
The tone was set from the very beginning. Lefty JP Sears was simply brilliant, carving up the Astros' lineup for six innings of one-run ball while striking out seven. He handed the ball over to the bullpen, which culminated in Mason Miller doing what he does best: shutting the door. Miller struck out the side in the ninth for his 14th save, a performance so dominant the team's social media celebrated with a 'Lights out!' video that quickly went viral. The offense provided the necessary cushion early, with Brent Rooker's two-run double in the first inning proving to be the decisive blow. Esteury Ruiz was a menace on the basepaths, swiping two bags and scoring twice.
The A's lineup received a significant jolt of energy with the return of Zack Gelof from the 60-day IL. Slotting right back in at second base, Gelof looked comfortable, going 1-for-3 with a walk in his first game back from a hamstring strain. His return coincided with a milestone for the team's biggest power threat, Brent Rooker. His first-inning double not only drove in two runs but also marked his 20th home run of the season, making him the first Athletic to reach that mark before the All-Star break. Rooker is building a strong case for another All-Star nod, now on pace for a career year with 58 RBI.
The present and future of the A's outfield were on full display. Rookie Denzel Clarke continued to be a revelation since his late-May call-up, contributing a 2-for-4 night and making a spectacular defensive play in center field. He's providing a consistent spark, hitting .294 and getting on base at a .385 clip. Meanwhile, down on the farm, the 'Call him up!' chants are growing louder for Tyler Soderstrom. The top prospect had a monster night for Triple-A Las Vegas, smashing two home runs and driving in five, boosting his slash line to an absurd .312/.410/.589. With 17 homers in Vegas, his arrival in Oakland seems more a matter of 'when,' not 'if.'
With a key win in the books, a healthy Zack Gelof back in the fold, and young talent firing on all cylinders from Oakland to Las Vegas, the A's have a chance to build some real momentum. Tonight's victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement of resilience. Now, all eyes turn to the rest of the Astros series to see if they can turn this single victory into a streak and continue their climb.
