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
The Oakland Athletics got exactly what they needed on Wednesday night, putting a two-game skid to bed with a decisive 3-1 victory over the division-rival Houston Astros. Behind a masterful performance from starter JP Sears and a powerful first-inning blast from Brent Rooker, the A's showcased a winning formula of dominant pitching, timely hitting, and stellar defense that had the Sutter Health Park crowd buzzing.
'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.
