Houston Astros long ball their way past the Oakland A’s

The Houston Astros have started their seven-game road trip with a hearty win over the Oakland A’s.

It may have not been the characteristic of Crush City but theHouston Astrosdid what they need to do to win. In a game that relied completely on the long ball, no matter what, this team found a way to win. I get it — there are going to be games where the team won’t able to get multiple hits but as long as the silver lining is there — winning the ballgame — that’s what’s paramount.

Brad Peacock, who pitched wonderfully off three-days rest last week against the Texas Rangers, showed off with an extra day of rest to boot. He was tactical with his breaker ball, fanning eight, walking two, allowing one earned run with four hits. That’s another solid performance, keeping his ERA at 2.82.

His counterpart,Daniel Gossett, struck out six but allowed two runs off aJake Marisnick-beauty of a homer out to center field, bringing in himself andEvan Gattisto put the Houston Astros up 2-0.

After 5.2 innings — with aJed Lowriedouble andKhris Daviswalk —A.J. Hinchcalled it a night for Peacock after 99 pitches.Matt Joycescored the team’s only run off that Lowrie double indicating that BP was getting tired.

Will Harriswas brought in as relief as he proficiently tossed three strikeouts, one walk and no-hit ball through 1.1 innings. At the top of the 8th,George Springernailed his 20th dinger of the season out to right field, putting the Astros up 3-1 offJohn Axford. After a pitching change from Axford toJosh Smithat the top of the 9th,Derek Fishergot a hold of a fastball — of his first pitch — to send a screamer to right-center field.

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Whether it was a four-seam or two-seam, Springer and Fisher found a way to crush that ball where it needed to be — in the stands. And that was the final nail in the coffin as the Astros then held on to win the game 4-1.

Harris andChris Devenskiare credited with the hold andKen Gilesclosed out the game, getting the save. That’s his 17th on the season. Harris, Devo and Giles combined for five strikeouts, one walk in no-hit, shut-out ball through the remaining 3.1 innings of the game. Did I mention that the long ball was the only way we scored tonight? Yep, and your Astros have 113 home runs on the season, which is good for jockeying for position with the New Yankees for the top spot in the AL.

Next: The deadline for Derek Fisher's status is looming

This isn’t necessarily one of our most memorable wins — we’re blessed to have so many — but this is one to hang your hat on.

Go Astros.

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