The outcome gave Houston a two-game lead over Texas atop the AL West as the Rangers lost in Seattle.
Aaron Brooks struggled through four-plus innings, surrendering five runs on eight hits and a walk. Billy Butler and Josh Reddick homered for Oakland, which dropped to 20 games below .500.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Conger's revenge: On Tuesday, Astros catcher Hank Conger had an opportunity to drive in runs with the bases loaded and one out, but couldn't get the job done. He faced a similar situation Wednesday, with runners on second and third in the fourth, and slapped a two-run single through the left side of the infield to extend Houston's lead to 3-0.