OAKLAND, Calif. — If they keep this up, the under-the-radar Houston Astros won’t be able to avoid detection.
The Astros rallied in the ninth inning Sunday at the O.co Coliseum for a 7-6 victory and their first series sweep against the Oakland A’s in franchise history.
Designated hitter Even Gattis drilled a two-run double in the top of the ninth, putting the Astros ahead 7-6, and they held on for their third straight victory against the A’s.
The 11-7 Astros own first place in the American League West and are off to their best start since the 2006 club opened 12-5. The Astros have won three straight series and have a series win against all four of their divisional foes.
“We’re not trying to make a statement,” said first-year Astros manager A.J. Hinch. “We’re trying to win games. It’s a fun group. It’s a loose group, and what we’re finding out is it’s a resilient group of guys that never feels out of it. We blew another lead today and it doesn’t faze this group. That’s good to see against a good opponent. This is not an easy place to play or an easy team to play. We came up big when we needed to.”
Gattis, who came into the game batting .136 with one RBI, had his biggest game for his new team. He went 2-for-5 and drove in four runs.
“Glad to finally contribute to a win,” said Gattis. “It’s good to come through and come through with a two-RBI hit that put us ahead.”