This is the second (of four) series between Houston and Oakland. The Astros swept the first one, a four-game set between May 13 and May 16. They’ll meet twice more during the season — from July 22 through July 24 in Oakland once more, and from September 10 through September 12 back at MMP.
As stated, Houston dumped the Athletics without ceremony in the season-opening series last week, winning by an aggregate 22-4 score. In the finale, Cristian Javier (3-1, 3.23) struck out eight over six shutout innings, walking one and giving up two hits before making way for Shawn Dubin to notch a nine-out save.