Late hits help Astros get past pesky Athletics

Jon Singleton ripped a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the host Houston Astros to a 6-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon.

Singleton plated Yainer Diaz, who had smacked a one-out single, advanced to second on Kyle Tucker's base hit and moved to third on Jeremy Pena's flyout to right.

After Singleton came through in the clutch, Jake Meyers helped Houston (78-68) salvage the finale of a three-game series with an RBI double. Jason Heyward was then intentionally walked before Mauricio Dubon brought home two more runs with a single.

The Astros' eighth-inning rally came against T.J. McFarland (2-3) and Grant Holman. McFarland got just one out and Holman recorded two, and each reliever was charged with two runs.

Houston starter Framber Valdez was in line for his seventh win in nine starts until Brent Rooker tied the game at 2-all with a one-out solo shot in the eighth.

Astros closer Josh Hader worked around Tyler Nevin's solo home run in the ninth to close out the contest. Ryan Pressly (2-3), who served up Rooker's homer, came away with the victory.

Valdez had recorded a quality start, giving up one run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out six.

Rookie right-hander Mitch Spence was just as impressive for Oakland (64-83), going seven innings to match his longest start of the season. He allowed two runs and seven hits, fanning two without issuing a walk.

Heyward provided the Astros with an early 2-0 lead, clubbing a two-run home run in the second. It was Heyward's first long ball with Houston since joining the club as a free agent on Aug. 29.

It looked like the Athletics were going to respond immediately after Lawrence Butler doubled with one out in the third. However, Valdez buckled down to get Rooker to fly out, then struck out Shea Langeliers to end the frame.

Singleton and Diaz each had three hits for the Astros, with Singleton scoring twice.

Jacob Wilson went 2-for-4 with a run for the A's, who have played .500 ball over their past 10 games.

--Field Level Media