Musgrove, Homers Push Astros Past Angels; Lewis Roughed Up as Rangers Fall to A’s

Musgrove, solo shots lead Astros past Angels 4-1

HOUSTON (AP) _ Joe Musgrove pitched seven strong innings, Evan Gattis, Tony Kemp and Tyler White homered, and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 Sunday to snap a three-game slide and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Houston began the day three games behind Baltimore for the second AL wild-card spot.

Musgrove (4-4, 4.06 ERA) allowed one run on seven hits while striking out four.

Closer Ken Giles rebounded from a blown save in Friday’s 10-6 loss to Los Angeles. He walked one and struck out two in the ninth for his 14th save.

Daniel Wright (0-5, 6.95) lasted six innings for the Angels. He gave up three runs on seven hits, including two homers, while striking out four and walking two.

A’s break out of slump and beat Rangers 7-1 to avoid sweep

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ Jharel Cotton pitched seven crisp innings and the Oakland Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 7-1 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.

Ryon Healy had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Stephen Vogt drove in three runs to help the A’s win after being shut out in back-to-back games.

Adrian Beltre hit his 32nd home run for Texas.

The Rangers, who clinched the AL West on Friday, fell into a tie with the Boston Red Sox for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Texas (92-64) holds a slight tiebreaking advantage based on division record.

Oakland will be sitting out the postseason and had lost the first five games on this homestand but ended it on an encouraging note behind Cotton (2-0). The rookie right-hander allowed one run, struck out five and faced two over the minimum while quieting the Rangers’ potent offense.

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