ASTROS DROP FIFTH STRAIGHT–RANGERS FALL AGAIN

The Astros struggles continued in Monday night’s opener of a big series at Oakland.

The A’s shutout the Astros, 6-0, dealing Houston its fifth straight loss.  The loss drops the Astros to just one game over .500 (21-20) and 4.5 games back of Oakland in the AL West race.

A trio of A’s pitchers teamed up on the seven-hit shutout, while Christian Javier (4-2) took the loss for the Astros.  Carlos Correa led the anemic offense, going 2-for-4.

The two will meet for two games, Tuesday, with game one set for 5:10.  KWHI will join the broadcast following the Brenham Sports Line at about 6:30.

Seattle blew open a one-run game with five runs in the fourth and coasted to an 8-4 win over the Rangers.

Texas had cut the Seattle lead to 3-2 in the top of the fourth on Joey Gallo’s two-run double.  But in the bottom of the inning the Mariners answered with a three-run double by Dylan Moore and a two-run single by Ty France.

The Rangers return home to host the Angels, Tuesday at 7:05.