OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Robbie Grossman singled in two runs in the 11th inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 5-4 on Friday night to match their best start in eight years.
Chris Carter and Colby Rasmus drew walks off Eric O’Flaherty (0-2) to begin Houston’s rally. After Hang Conger’s sacrifice moved the runners over, Grossman lined a 3-0 pitch to left. Grossman had gone hitless in his previous four at-bats and was in a 0-for-9 funk before his clutch swing.
Jose Altuve added an RBI single, and that proved to be the difference after the A’s scored twice in the bottom half against Pat Neshek.
Luke Gregerson (1-0) got the win despite giving up two runs in the 10th.
The Astros improved to 9-7, matching their best start since 2007.
