Paredes Powers Astros to Victory with 4 RBIs in 5-1 Win Over Athletics

HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes continued his impressive hitting streak, homering for the third consecutive game and driving in four runs to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-1 victory against the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

The game began with Jeremy Peña extending his hitting streak to six games with a single off pitcher Jack Perkins (2-3). Following Peña, Yordan Alvarez drew a walk, setting the stage for Paredes, who belted his ninth home run of the season, giving the Astros an early 3-0 lead.

Alvarez, making his first start in left field since May 5, contributed with a single in the third inning. He later scored on a triple by Christian Walker, before Paredes added to the Astros' lead with a sacrifice fly, pushing the score to 5-0.

While Peter Lambert (5-4) was in control for much of the game, he faced a challenge in the sixth when Brent Rooker connected for his ninth home run. Lambert walked Tyler Soderstrom, and after a double from Henry Bolte, the Athletics had runners on second and third with one out. Enyel De Los Santos came in to strike out Zach Gelof and retired Jeff McNeil to minimize the scoring opportunity.

The Athletics threatened in the second inning by loading the bases with one out, but Lambert struck out McNeil and Darell Hernaiz to preserve the 3-0 lead. Over 5 1/3 innings, Lambert allowed just one run on five hits and four walks. De Los Santos faced five batters and retired them all, while Bryan King delivered a scoreless eighth. Closer Josh Hader made a strong return, striking out the side in his second appearance after starting the season on the injured list.

José Altuve made his return to the lineup, going 1 for 4 with a single in the eighth after being sidelined since May 16 due to a strained left oblique. Perkins struggled, giving up all five runs in just four innings. Looking ahead, the Athletics are set to debut right-hander Kade Morris on Saturday, facing off against Astros rookie right-hander Tatsuya Imai (2-3, 5.52).