Zack Gelof hit a home run early in the game, and Max Schuemann and Nick Allen scored runs with bunts in the 12th inning to help the Oakland Athletics secure a 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Daz Cameron’s bunt single at the start of the 12th inning propelled Gelof to third base, setting up the scoring plays.
Schuemann followed with a bunt that led to an error from Héctor Neris, allowing Gelof to score and Cameron to advance to third base. Allen then executed a bunt to bring in Cameron, extending the lead to 4-2.
In the bottom of the 12th, Jose Altuve hit an RBI double for the Astros, but Hogan Harris managed to retire the next three batters to secure the win for the Athletics. Houston’s Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the 11th inning.
The game saw several key defensive plays, including a diving catch by Cameron in the 10th inning to rob Jeremy Pena of a hit and end the inning. Both teams showcased strong pitching performances, with Oakland’s JP Sears pitching six scoreless innings and Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti allowing two runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Offensively, Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers contributed early runs for the Athletics, with Gelof hitting a homer in the second inning to extend the lead to 2-0. The Astros fought back with key hits from Altuve and a pinch-hit triple from Jon Singleton.
In terms of injuries, Athletics’ Osvaldo Bido was placed on the injured list with right wrist flexor tendonitis, while Astros’ Chas McCormick left the game with right wrist discomfort.
The series between the two teams will continue on Wednesday night with Houston’s Hunter Brown facing off against Oakland’s Joey Estes.