HOUSTON — The A’s beat the Astros, 3-2, on Thursday night to take a 3-1 series win at Minute Maid Park. The A’s are 6-2 in their last eight games against the Astros. Liam Hendriks got his 21st save, stranding the tying run on third in the ninth.
Justin Verlander is a problem for everyone — a probable Cy Young candidate, after all — and the A’s are no exception. Only Khris Davis and Mark Canha have found overall, relative success against the Astros’ powerful right-hander.
Roles switched up on Thursday. Marcus Semien, who’s built a career offensive year on a devastatingly patient approach at the plate, got two first-pitch singles and Matt Olson hit a two-run home run — his second career home run against Verlander — to give the A’s an early lead.