Astros' Dusty Baker addresses Contreras rumors, JV's departure

ASTROS HOT STOVE

Dusty Baker spoke to the media after Justin Verlander's Mets deal was announced. He said they couldn't afford what the Mets offered, but spoke highly of JV on his way out. Dusty also talked about the team engaging with free agent catcher Willson Contreras, which could be sparking some jealousy from Martin Maldonado.

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The A's beat the Astros, 5-2. Composite Getty Image.

Luis Severino struck out eight in seven innings and Luis Urias homered to lead the Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the AL West-leading Houston Astros on Thursday night.

Severino (4-11) allowed four hits and two earned runs as the A’s snapped a four-game skid. Mason Miller earned his 20th save.

Urias hit his eighth homer in the sixth inning and finished with two hits. Nick Kurtz went 3 for 5 with an RBI double in the two-run fourth inning. Max Schuemann also knocked in a run in the inning on a fielder’s choice grounder.

Christian Walker drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to right field and Victor Caratini scored on a groundout by Cam Smith — all in the seventh inning — for the Astros, who had their four-game winning streak halted.

Jason Alexander (1-1), a former member of the Athletics who was claimed off waivers in May, allowed five earned runs and 11 hits in six innings. The 32-year-old right-hander finished with three strikeouts and two walks.

Key moment

Carlos Cortes made his MLB debut for the A’s and went 1 for 3. He had a sacrifice fly, single and scored a run.

Key stat

The Astros went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

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Athletics LHP Jeffery Springs (8-7) will go in the second game of the four-game series. The Astros have not announced a starter.

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