HOUSTON, TX – May 28, 2025 – The Houston Astros rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Oakland Athletics 5-3 last night at Daikin Park, clinching at least a series split and putting them in position for a sweep. The come-from-behind victory showcased the Astros’ resilience in their second game against Oakland.
Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. had a strong outing, going six innings and allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out an impressive 12 batters. He received a no-decision. The win went to reliever Shawn Dubin (2-0), who pitched a scoreless seventh. Josh Hader (14th save) locked down the ninth for the save. For the Athletics, Luis Severino pitched well for six innings, but reliever Justin Sterner (1-1) took the loss after giving up the crucial seventh-inning runs.
The Athletics took an early lead in the top of the third inning. Jacob Wilson hit an RBI double, and Brent Rooker followed with another RBI double, putting Oakland up 2-0.
The Astros began to chip away in the bottom of the third when Isaac Paredes hit an RBI sacrifice fly, scoring Zach Dezenzo and making it 2-1. They tied the game in the fourth with an RBI single from Cam Smith, scoring Christian Walker.
However, the Athletics regained the lead in the top of the fifth when Jacob Wilson hit a solo home run off Lance McCullers Jr., putting Oakland back on top 3-2.
The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh. With the Athletics leading 3-2, Zach Dezenzo led off with a solo home run to center field, his second of the season, tying the game at 3-3. After the Astros loaded the bases with two outs, Victor Caratini delivered a clutch two-run single to center field, scoring Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes and giving the Astros a 5-3 lead.
Josh Hader came on in the ninth and struck out the side to secure his 14th save of the season.
Lance McCullers Jr.’s 12 strikeouts tied a career high, and the Astros managed to win despite only collecting 7 hits.
The win improved the Astros’ record to 30-25. They will now aim for a series sweep in the final game against the Athletics.