Jun 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Mauricio Dubon (14) reacts after hitting a walkoff single in opposition to the Minnesota Twins through the tenth inning at Daikin Park. Necessary Credit score: Erik Williams-Imagn Photographs
The Houston Astros are a season-best 11 video games over .500 after stringing collectively 5 straight victories.
The final two had been of the walk-off selection for Houston, which is able to look to proceed the momentum when it opens a four-game sequence in opposition to the Athletics on Monday night time at West Sacramento, Calif.
The Astros swept a three-game set in opposition to the visiting Minnesota Twins in type, profitable 3-2 on Saturday due to a run within the ninth and 2-1 on Sunday after Mauricio Dubon hit a walk-off single to the left-field wall within the tenth inning.
“These guys do not stop,” Houston supervisor Joe Espada mentioned. “They battle till the top. I am not shocked by their battle, however if you see it and you’re feeling the vitality in that dugout, it is unbelievable.”
The Astros have outscored opponents 29-11 through the five-game profitable streak and have opened a 4 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners within the American League West.
Houston has been sizzling with 15 wins in its final 20 video games. That success helps in late-game conditions, in line with Dubon.
“That is the mentality we’ve right here now, and it is an amazing group of men,” Dubon mentioned. “If the opposite man would not do it, the man behind him goes to do it. The man that is available in late, he will do it. We attempt to move the baton a bit bit.”
The Athletics are in final place within the AL West, 13 video games behind the Astros.
However the Athletics are coming off a three-game street sweep of the Kansas Metropolis Royals after dropping 24 of their earlier 28 video games. The A’s allowed simply six runs within the sequence.
“I feel we’re taking part in higher baseball,” Athletics supervisor Mark Kotsay mentioned. “The bullpen now’s beginning to achieve some confidence. They’re beginning to settle in.”
Rookie Nick Kurtz hit a tie-breaking homer within the ninth inning of Sunday’s sport because the Athletics prevailed 3-2.
Kurtz was the No. 4 general decide within the 2024 draft and returned early final week from the injured record resulting from a left hip flexor pressure.
Kurtz was simply 2-for-17 with six strikeouts in his first 4 video games after returning earlier than going 2-for-4 on Sunday. His homer was off veteran reliever Carlos Estevez and it arrange Mason Miller for his 14th save.
“There’s not a number of instances when one pitch or one play makes a complete sport,” Kurtz mentioned. “However to return up there and take the lead with a man like (Miller), who’s going to shut the door, it felt actually good.”
Proper-hander Lance McCullers (1-2, 4.91 ERA) can be making his eighth begin of the season for Houston.
McCullers, 31, misplaced to the Chicago White Sox in his final flip when he gave up 4 runs and 4 hits over 5 innings.
McCullers matched his profession better of 12 strikeouts in six innings in opposition to the Athletics on Might 28 throughout a no-decision. He gave up three runs and 5 hits over six innings.
General, McCullers is 7-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 15 profession begins in opposition to the Athletics. Younger star Jacob Wilson was 2-for-3 with a homer off McCullers in final month’s contest.
The Athletics have not introduced a starter however right-hander Mitch Spence (2-1, 3.67) is predicted to get the ball. It could be Spence’s third straight begin following 22 consecutive aid appearances.
He has given up one run and 6 hits over 10 innings within the two begins. On Tuesday, he blanked the Los Angeles Angels on three hits over 5 innings in a no-decision.
Spence, 27, struck out three in 1 2/3 innings of scoreless aid in opposition to Houston on Might 27. General, he has a 3.86 ERA in three appearances (one begin) versus the Astros.
–Subject Stage Media
