Athletics steal 7-6 win as Muncy's homer caps fifth-inning surge

The Deciding Blow

The Athletics escaped with a 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros on Sunday, August 23, at Daikin Park. The game hinged on a late rally that began in the fifth inning and concluded with a solo home run. Brendan Muncy drove the winning run home by hitting a 409-foot homer to center field in the seventh inning.

The hit broke the 6-6 tie, giving the away team the lead they would never relinquish. Attendance at the venue stood at 30,708.

Fifth-Inning Surge

The Athletics trailed 0-6 entering the fifth inning after the Astros built a substantial lead. Houston opened the scoring in the first inning when Jose Pena scored on a sacrifice fly and Jose Altuve hit a three-run homer to left center. The Astros extended their advantage to 4-0 in the second inning and reached six runs in the fourth when Paredes hit a two-run homer.

The Athletics responded with a three-run homer by Serven to left center, followed by a two-run single by White. These plays tied the game at 6-6 before Muncy's go-ahead hit.

Pitching and Records

Jack Perkins earned the win with a five-inning outing, allowing three hits and one run while striking out six. He walked five batters. Hogan Harris recorded the save in one scoreless inning, striking out two batters.

For Houston, Cristian Javier pitched four innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out eight. He walked two batters. Steven Okert took the loss in one inning, allowing one hit and one run while striking out one.

The Astros finished with a record of 65-66, while the Athletics improved to 51-80. There were four total home runs in the game, with Altuve, Paredes, Serven, and Muncy each hitting one.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816646