Astros’ Carlos Correa crushes A’s

Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros hits a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park on June 29, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

(June 29, 2017 - Source: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America)

SS Carlos Correa hits two home runs as the Houston Astros (54-26) crush the Oakland A’s (35-44) 6-1 in the rubber game. The Astros have won eight of their last 10 games.

The Oakland A’s scored first in the fourth inning. They loaded the bases with back-to-back singles from DH Ryon Healy and 1B Matt Olson and a walk to C Josh Phegley. With one out 3B Adam Rosales hit into fielder’s choice but Ryon Healy managed to come home for a 1-0 lead.

Houston’s SP Brad Peacock needed 33 pitches to end the inning and ran his pitch count up to 87.

The Astros responded in the bottom of the frame. With two outs and LF Josh Reddick at third base Carlos Correa hit his 15th home run of the season to put Houston up 2-1.

Houston loaded the bases in the fifth but the A’s managed to record three outs without giving up a run.

Brad Peacock’s (5-1) day was finished after 5 innings and 106 pitches. He allowed 2 hits, 6 walks and 1 earned run while fanning 7. He now has a 2.72 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP on the year.

The Astros extended their lead in the sixth. Josh Reddick led the inning off with a single and came home on a double from 2B Jose Altuve. Carlos Correa hit his second home run of the game next to put Houston up 5-1.

The A’s decided to relieve SP Daniel Gossett (1-3). In 5+ innings he surrendered 7 hits, 1 walk and 5 earned runs while strikingout 1. His ERA and WHIP increased to 5.57 and 1.29, respectively.

Houston added another run in the seventh inning. The Astros loaded the bases with back-to-back singles from 3B Alex Bregman and CF Jake Marisnick and a walk to RF George Springer. Josh Reddick followed with a sacrifice fly ball, driving in Alex Bregman for a 6-1 lead.

Carlos Correa went 2-for-3 with 2 runs, 2 HR and 4 RBI. He is batting .309 and has 54 runs, 16 HR and 53 RBI this season.

The Oakland A’s return home to host a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves (37-40) from Friday to Sunday.

The Houston Astros continue their homestand with a three-game series against the New York Yankees (42-34) from Friday through Sunday.