The Astros beat the Athletics 5-1 Friday night at Daikin Park, a much needed bounce back after dropping the series to the Pittsburgh Pirates, especially stinging given how impressive their comeback win was in the middle of that series.
What Went Right Friday Night?
Isaac Paredes Sets the Tone Early
Paredes hit a three-run homer in the first inning off Jack Perkins and put the Astros up 3-0 right out of the gate. It was his ninth homer of the season and his third in three straight games, per ESPN. Paredes has been one of the most consistent hitters in this lineup all season, and it showed Friday night. The night before he became the fourth Mexican-born player in MLB history to hit 100 career home runs, joining Vinny Castilla, Jorge Orta, and Aurelio Rodriguez, per MLB. He is on an absolute tear right now. The early lead took the pressure off Lambert and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Peter Lambert Gets the Job Done
Lambert delivered another solid outing and improved to 5-4 on the season, per MLB. The Athletics were without their normal rotation due to injuries and had to use Perkins as a spot starter. Lambert took advantage and gave the Astros the length they needed. This is exactly the kind of start the Astros needed from him.
The Athletics Were Their Own Worst Enemy
They managed just five hits on the night and their pitching situation continues to be a problem. Using a reliever as a spot starter is not a long-term solution. On top of that their leadoff situation has been all over the place, going with Carlos Cortes Friday after using Henry Bolte against the Cubs the night before. That kind of inconsistency at the top of the lineup makes it hard to generate any offense.
The Astros improved to 29-36 with the win. Jose Altuve made his return to the lineup Friday night, a huge boost for the offense going forward. They desperately need two more wins against the Athletics this weekend to keep the momentum going.
The Astros needed this win badly and they got it. With Altuve back and the offense clicking this team is starting to look dangerous again. The Athletics series is a chance to string together some wins heading into the summer.
