Astros top A's 6-5 on June 19, 2025, as Jeremy Peña's clutch hit and Isaac Paredes's 15th HR secure a key AL West victory. Read how they did it.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It wasn't always pretty, but it was a win. The Houston Astros once again proved their mettle in a tight contest on Thursday, edging out the Oakland Athletics 6-5 in a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final out. Powered by key hits from Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Peña, the Astros gutted out a crucial road victory to maintain their top spot in the division.
Jeremy Peña went 3-for-5 against Oakland, raising his average to .317 and extending his hitting streak to eight games.
The story of the game was the story of the season: the Astros' offense finding a way, led by two of its brightest stars. Isaac Paredes continued his incredible breakout campaign, launching his 15th home run of the year to tie for the team lead. He finished 2-for-4 with two crucial RBIs. Not to be outdone, shortstop Jeremy Peña was a machine at the plate, collecting three hits in five at-bats. His go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning proved to be the game-winner, a testament to his consistency and clutch performance that has him leading the AL West with a .317 batting average.
On the mound, it was a tale of grit. Starter Colton Gordon battled through 5.2 innings, and while he allowed four runs, he kept the Astros in the fight and ultimately earned his third win of the season. From there, the bullpen took over and did what it does best: lock it down. The relief corps combined for 3.1 innings of one-run ball. Closer Ryan Pressly made things interesting in the ninth, allowing a leadoff double and a walk, but he slammed the door for his 18th save, proving that even when they bend, this bullpen rarely breaks.
This win pushed the Astros' record to 42-31, keeping them ahead of the hard-charging Mariners and Rangers. Victories like this are a microcosm of the Astros' sustained success. Despite a farm system ranked 29th in the preseason, the organization continues to churn out key contributors. As senior director Jacob Buffa noted, it's a credit to the player development staff for maximizing talent and providing the big league club with the depth needed to win tight division races. This team doesn't just reload; it finds new ways to win.
This gritty win is exactly the kind of victory that defines championship contenders. While every game in June is important, holding serve against a division rival on the road is crucial. As the Astros continue their series in Oakland, they'll look to build on this momentum and further cushion their lead in what's shaping up to be a tight AL West race all summer long.
