HOUSTON, TX – July 25, 2025 – The spirit of Christmas came early to Daikin Park on Thursday night, but unfortunately for the Houston Astros, the Athletics played the role of Grinch, defeating the home team 5-2 in the opener of a four-game series. The loss halted the Astros’ four-game winning streak and dampened the festive “Christmas in July” atmosphere, which featured holiday carols, stadium decorations, and a Jose Altuve Christmas ugly Christmas sweater bobblehead giveaway.
Fans packed Daikin Park, many sporting their own festive attire in anticipation of the Altuve bobblehead and the holiday-themed fun. However, the Athletics’ offense, seemingly unfazed by the mid-summer holiday cheer, capitalized on early opportunities against Astros starter Jason Alexander (1-1), who struggled against his former team. The right-hander, claimed off waivers by the Astros in May, surrendered five earned runs on eleven hits over six innings, along with two walks and three strikeouts.
The Athletics started chipping away early, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Lawrence Butler walked, stole second, advanced to third on an overthrow, and scored on a sacrifice fly. They extended their lead in the fourth, making it 3-0 on an RBI force play by Max Schuemann and an RBI double by Nick Kurtz. Shea Langeliers added another run in the fifth with a sacrifice fly, making it 4-0. The final blow against Alexander came in the sixth when Luis Urias launched a solo home run to left field, pushing the Athletics’ lead to 5-0.
Meanwhile, Athletics starter Luis Severino (4-11) was effective in silencing the Astros’ bats. He took a shutout deep into the seventh inning, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out eight over his seven strong innings.
The Astros finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh. Jose Altuve led off with a hit-by-pitch, advanced to third on a double by Victor Caratini. Christian Walker then drove in Altuve with a sacrifice fly to right, and Caratini later scored on a groundout by Cam Smith, cutting the deficit to 5-2.
The Athletics’ bullpen, including Mason Miller who earned his 20th save, held the Astros’ late rally at bay. Miller particularly impressed in the eighth, retiring Jose Altuve with runners on the corners to escape a jam.
Despite the holiday festivities and the popular Altuve bobblehead giveaway, the Astros’ offense managed just six hits on the night. Their record now stands at 60-43. They will look to put the “Christmas in July” loss behind them and even the series in Game 2 against the Athletics tonight.