Kyle McCann’s two-run homer, combined with Brent Rooker’s two hits and two RBIs, helped the Oakland Athletics secure a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. The Astros suffered their third consecutive loss, causing their lead in the AL West to shrink to 3 1/2 games over Seattle with 17 games remaining in the season.

During the game, the Astros faced another setback as All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve left the game in the fifth inning due to discomfort in his right side. Altuve, who exited after completing his at-bat in the fifth, struck out on a bunt attempt and did not return to the field in the sixth. Both Altuve and Astros manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about the injury, with Espada stating that they would assess Altuve’s condition on a day-to-day basis.

McCann’s two-run homer off Hunter Brown, along with Rooker’s RBI single off Caleb Ferguson in the sixth inning, propelled the A’s to a 5-3 lead. Rooker also contributed with an RBI single in the third inning, helping Oakland tie the game at 2-2. Manager Mark Kotsay praised his team’s confidence and character following the victory.

Despite the Astros taking an early 2-0 lead, Oakland rallied and secured the win. Joey Estes pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, while Mason Miller earned his 24th save. Lawrence Butler extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a single in the fifth inning.

In the upcoming series finale, Astros’ LHP Framber Valdez will face Athletics’ RHP Mitch Spence. On the injury front, the Athletics placed RHP Ross Stripling on the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain, while Astros’ OF Chas McCormick will be sidelined for 10 days due to a small fracture in his right hand sustained during a game on Tuesday.