Astros lose 5-1 to the Athletics on July 26, 2025, extending their losing streak despite Hunter Brown's quality start. Jose Altuve's hit streak ends.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a tough time to be an Astros fan. Another solid start from a Houston pitcher was wasted as the bats went silent, leading to a dispiriting 5-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics. That's three straight losses for the club, and with a series finale looming today, the pressure is mounting to stop the skid and remind the AL West why they're still the team to beat.
The Astros managed just 4 hits, with Jose Altuve's 12-game hitting streak ending after he grounded into a double play.
Saturday's game felt like a case of deja vu. Hunter Brown delivered a quality performance, going six innings and allowing just two earned runs while striking out seven. Unfortunately, that was two runs too many for an offense that has gone ice-cold. A two-run double by Oakland's Tyler Soderstrom in the first inning proved to be all the A's needed. Houston's only run came in the sixth, and the team's frustration was perfectly encapsulated by Jose Altuve's 12-game hitting streak coming to an unceremonious end on a double play.
All eyes turn to left-hander Colton Gordon today as he takes the mound against Oakland's J.T. Ginn. With a 4-2 record and a 4.53 ERA, Gordon has a chance to be the stopper the team desperately needs. While stars like Jeremy Peña (.322 AVG) and Isaac Paredes (19 HR) look to wake up the lineup, the Astros also made a move to freshen up the bullpen. RHP Luis Contreras has been recalled from Sugar Land, while Nick Hernandez was optioned down after a rough stretch. The hope is that Contreras can bring his impressive Triple-A numbers to the big league club.
While the major league club is struggling, there's positive news on the injury front. Spencer Arrighetti made his second rehab start and could be just one outing away from rejoining the rotation. More encouragingly, Yordan Alvarez is swinging a bat again, taking over 50 swings in the cage as he recovers from his right hand fracture. While there's no timetable for his return, it's a massive step in the right direction. Even the news on LHP Brandon Walter was a relief; his elbow inflammation isn't serious, and he's expected back in August. The cavalry is coming, but the 'Stros need to hold the line until they arrive.
Today's game is more than just another Sunday matchup; it's a chance to stop the bleeding, salvage a series, and build some momentum. With Colton Gordon on the hill and reinforcements like Arrighetti and Alvarez getting closer to a return, there's reason for optimism. But first, they have to take care of business against the A's and get back in the win column.
