Valencia’s homers help A’s top Astros
HOUSTON — Danny Valencia homered twice, including a go-ahead two-run shot in the eighth inning, to help the Oakland Athletics to a 4-3 victory Friday night that sent the scuffling Houston Astros to their fifth straight loss.
Valencia had a solo shot in the fourth inning, his second career multihomer game and the first since 2010.
Houston starter Mike Fiers allowed two runs and five hits in six innings in his first appearance at Minute Maid Park since his no-hitter on Aug. 21, against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An RBI single by Lowrie gave Houston a 1-0 lead in the first.
Altuve got a mouth full of dirt and almost knocked down home plate umpire Toby Basner when his momentum from the slide pushed him through the umpire’s legs.
Sam Fuld robbed rookie Carlos Correa of a hit in the third when he made a diving catch in midair for the first out of the inning.