Fister, Altuve, spark Astros in 7-0 win over A’s
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ Doug Fister pitched seven innings and Jose Altuve continued his torrid hitting as the Houston Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics 7-0 Wednesday.
After losing three of his last four decisions, Fister (10-6) took matters into his own hands, throwing seven innings of four-hit ball in which he struck out five and walked two.
The A’s, who had won four of five since the All-Star break and took their second straight series, failed to advance a runner past second base against Fister.
Altuve was 2 for 3 with two walks. Baseball’s leading hitter is 12 for his last 17 in his last four games.
The Astros, who had lost three of their previous four, scored two runs in the second with two outs and nobody on base when five batters reached safely against A’s starter Daniel Mengden (1-5).
Fister is 9-3 over his last 15 starts going back to May 1. The Astros are 12-3 over that stretch.
Marte homers, Angels sweep Rangers to get out of last place
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) _ Jefry Marte hit a three-run homer and the Angels shut down a late rally by the AL West-leading Texas Rangers for a 7-4 win Wednesday night that gave Los Angeles a three-game sweep.
It was the second straight sweep for the Angels, who won their sixth in a row and moved out of last place in the AL West.
Albert Pujols had two hits and scored twice, Yunel Escobar had two RBIs and Marte hit his sixth home run.
The Rangers rallied in the ninth inning when Ian Desmond homered, Adrian Beltre doubled and Ryan Rua singled to put runners on the corners with two outs. The rally fell short when Rougned Odor flew out to left field.
The Rangers have gone 4-14 since June 28th.