It was another tense, extra innings affair for an Astros club that has already endured several thus far this season Friday night. Facing the division rival A’s, Astros starter Zack Greinke was masterful in a pitcher’s duel with Oakland starter Chris Bassitt in a game in which neither team ever led by more than one run.
The Astros played with the lineup a bit in the absence of George Springer, deploying Kyle Tucker in the leadoff spot and Myles Straw in center, but the offense simply wasn’t able to get much going against the A’s staff. The team had just a single baserunner through two frames, but were able to break through for their only run in the first nine innings in the third, when Tucker slapped an opposite field double to bring home Martin Maldonado, who had reached on a one out walk.