A's rookie right hander lit up by surging Astros

The Oakland A's were hopeful they had left the numerous woes of the 2023 season behind. Rookie Joey Loperfido hit his first major league home run and Cristian Javier pitched six scoreless innings Thursday night to help the Houston Astros beat the Athletics 8-1 and complete a four-game sweep at Minute Maid Park. The victory extended Houston's winning streak to a season-high five games. The Astros have won seven of their last eight.