Rookie Cam Smith's two homers led the Astros to a 13-3 rout of the A's on June 18. See how Smith and pitcher Jason Alexander dominated Oakland in a big win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, the Houston Astros delivered a masterclass in offensive firepower and sweet, sweet revenge. In a stunning 13-3 rout of the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night, the 'Stros didn't just win; they made a statement. The charge was led by a sensational rookie, Cam Smith, who played like a seasoned vet with a two-homer, four-hit night, and a pitcher, Jason Alexander, who made his old team regret letting him go.
Rookie Cam Smith finished his career night 4-for-5 with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored.
What a night for the kid. Rookie Cam Smith officially put the league on notice, delivering the best performance of his young career. He recorded his first-ever four-hit game and his second multi-homer effort, launching leadoff shots in the second and fourth innings that set the tone for the blowout. Smith wasn't done, adding an RBI double in the eighth to cap his incredible 4-for-5, three-RBI night. The 22-year-old is quickly becoming more than just a promising prospect; he's a legitimate offensive weapon in this lineup.
You couldn't write a better script. Jason Alexander, claimed off waivers from the A's just last month, took the mound against his former club and shoved. Making his first start for Houston since 2022, Alexander was masterful for six shutout innings before tiring slightly in the seventh. He finished the night allowing just three hits and two earned runs over 6+ innings, throwing a season-high 95 pitches to earn his first win of the year. It was a gutsy performance that not only provided a massive boost to the rotation but surely felt a little extra special for him.
While Smith and Alexander grabbed the headlines, the entire lineup joined the party. The Astros blasted five total home runs in the contest. Following Smith's second homer in the fourth, Mauricio Dubón immediately followed with a solo shot of his own for back-to-back jacks. Not to be outdone, Christian Walker crushed his 10th of the season, and Cooper Hummel added another for good measure. Even before the long-ball barrage, Jake Meyers got the scoring started with a key two-run single in the first inning. It was a complete and total offensive beatdown that left the A's bullpen—and their rookie catcher Willie MacIver, who pitched the ninth—reeling.
This wasn't just another win; it was a momentum-shifting statement. By snapping Oakland's winning streak with such authority, the Astros showed the kind of explosive potential they possess. With a rookie phenom finding his groove and a savvy waiver claim already paying dividends, the team looks re-energized. Now, the key will be to carry this offensive tidal wave into the rest of the series and prove that this power surge is here to stay.
