Urquidy, Backed By Bregman, Maldonado, Leads Astros Over A's
OAKLAND, Calif (AP) — José Urquidy allowed four hits over a career-high eight innings to win his third straight decision, helping the Houston Astros keep rolling with an 8-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer and Martín Maldonado connected for a three-run drive on a night when every Astros starter had at least one hit including three by Yuli Gurriel. Houston outhit Oakland 14-4 and won for the 10th time in 11 games.
Jose Altuve, selected an All-Star for a franchise-record eighth time, went 1 of 4.
Elvis Andrus homered for the A's, a major league-worst 28-57.
The American League's leader in run support, Urquidy (8-3) was mostly dominant in his first career win in six tries against the A's. He retired 11 straight and 14 of 15 following Andrus' sixth home run this season.
Urquidy dodged potential injury when he made a quick snag of a 92 mph comebacker from Cristian Bethancourt for the final out of the fourth, a play that left Uquidy squatting on the mound for an extended moment.
Over his last 27 innings, Urquidy has allowed six runs while lowering his ERA from 4.99 to 4.08.
A's starter Paul Blackburn retired his first 10 batters before Aledmys Díaz and Yordan Álvarez hit consecutive one-out doubles in the fourth. Bregman then connected on Blackburn's next pitch for his 11th home run and a 3-2 lead.
Maldonado, who struck out swinging in his first at-bat and crushed a 78 mph slider that Blackburn left on the outer middle in the fifth.
Blackburn (6-4) allowed six runs in four innings. He is winless in five career starts against the Astros.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Astros: OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder) is taking a cautious approach to his rehab. Out since June 27, Brantley ran before the game and is feeling better. … Catcher Jason Castro (knee) is still sore and has yet to resume baseball activities. … INF Jeremy Peña is out of health and safety protocols but was not available to play.
Athletics: RHP Dany Jiménez (strained right shoulder) played catch before the game. Manager Mark Kotsay expects Jiménez to make at least one rehab appearance before coming off the Injured List. … Jonah Bride (right shoulder strain) did some hitting and played catch before the game.
UP NEXT
Astros LHP Framber Valdez (8-3, 2.67 ERA) faces Oakland for the second time this season Saturday. Valdez dominated the A's on May 30, pitching a complete game two-hitter. LHP Zach Logue (2-4, 5.47 ERA) will be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas to make his sixth start of the season for the A's. Logue is taking the turn of Frankie Montas, who left his previous start with shoulder tightness.
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