MLBSep 25
Spence’s First Three Career Homers Keep Astros Tied Atop AL West
Lucas Spence delivered a historic breakout as Houston beat the Athletics 7-5 and stayed level with Texas in the division race.
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Historic power at a crucial moment
Lucas Spence turned his return to the majors into a milestone night Thursday in West Sacramento, launching his first three career home runs to help the Houston Astros defeat the Athletics 7-5. Called up Wednesday, Spence entered the game with just 40 major league at-bats. He became only the third player in major league history to collect his first three career homers in the same game, joining Joshua Baez and Seby Zavala. The victory left Houston at 79-80 and tied with the Texas Rangers for the American League West lead. Both clubs have three regular-season games remaining, and the Astros own the tiebreaker thanks to their 9-4 record against Texas.
Spence supplies the decisive swings
Spence opened the scoring with a three-run homer in the second inning. The Athletics answered in the third, when Jeff McNeil hit a three-run shot and Zack Gelof followed with a solo homer for a 4-3 lead. Isaac Paredes also homered for Houston before Spence’s seventh-inning blast put the Astros ahead 5-4. Christian Walker added his 27th homer in the eighth, but Gelof’s second of the night cut Houston’s advantage to a run. Spence provided the final cushion with another homer in the ninth.
Relievers help protect the lead
Houston starter Peter Lambert allowed four runs on six hits in 2⅔ innings, leaving the bullpen with a substantial workload. Rookie Miguel Ullola delivered three scoreless relief innings to improve to 2-0, while Bryan Abreu allowed one hit over the final 1⅓ innings for his ninth save. Athletics starter Mason Barnett completed a career-high six innings, allowing four runs on four hits. Scott Blewett took the loss after surrendering the seventh-inning go-ahead run.
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