Heyward homers, Singleton has 3 hits to help Astros avoid sweep and beat A's 6-3

HOUSTON (AP) — Jason Heyward hit a two-run homer early and Jon Singleton had three hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in Houston’s four-run eighth inning, and the Astros got a 6-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.

Brent Rooker homered off Ryan Pressly (2-3) with one out in the eighth to tie it at 2.

Yainer Diaz and Kyle Tucker hit consecutive singles with one out in the eighth to chase T.J. McFarland (2-3) and bring on Grant Holman. There were two outs in the inning when Singleton’s single to center field scored Diaz to put the Astros on top.

“He has contributed immensely,” manager Joe Espada said. “Big hits, he gives you a quality at-bat, finds the barrel, the ability to walk. Jon has done a really, really good job.”

Singleton has seen less playing time lately as Espada has tried different guys at first base.

“You just got to go out there and do your job,” Singleton said. “And I'm grateful whenever I get the opportunity for sure.”

Jake Meyers followed with a run-scoring double before the Athletics intentionally walked Heyward to load the bases. Mauricio Dubón singled on a ground ball to left field to score two more, pushing the lead to 6-2.

“When we can stretch it out and get big hits from everyone we find ourselves scoring some runs late in the game,” Espada said.

Tyler Nevin hit a solo homer off Josh Hader with one out in the ninth before the closer retired the next two batters to end it.

Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed five hits and a run with six strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings to help the Astros avoid a three-game sweep and snap a three-game skid.

Oakland starter Mitch Spence permitted seven hits and two runs in seven innings.

“Spence was awesome,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “He gave us everything he had for seven solid innings against a solid lineup. This kid just continues to impress.”

Singleton hit a ground-rule double with one out in the second before Heyward smacked a line drive into the second row in right field for his first home run as an Astro to make it 2-0.

“It’s the best time of the year, to be playing baseball leading into October and have an opportunity to be in control of your destiny,” he said. “So to be able to contribute right there and put two runs on the board was big.”

It was the third hit in 12 games with Houston for Heyward, who signed with the Astros on Aug. 29, after being released by the Dodgers.

Jacob Wilson doubled to open the seventh and moved to third on a ground out by Nevin. The Athletics cut the lead to 1 when Wilson scored on a single by Daz Cameron that chased Valdez.

Bryan Abreu took over and pinch-hitter Seth Brown grounded into a double play on his second pitch to preserve the lead.

Lawrence Butler doubled with one out in the third to extend his career-best hitting streak to 20 games.

Singleton doubled again to start Houston’s fourth before Spence set down the next 11 Astros. Houston’s next base runner came on a double by Dubón with two outs in the seventh and Alex Bregman grounded out, stranding the runner.

TRAINERS'S ROOM

Athletics: 1B Tyler Soderstrom (left wrist injury) is scheduled to come off the injured list Friday for the start of a series against the White Sox.

Astros: 2B Jose Altuve was out of the lineup Thursday, a day after leaving in the fifth inning with discomfort in his right side. Manager Joe Espada said he was feeling better Thursday and that he is listed as day to day.

UP NEXT

Athletics: LHP Brady Basso (0-0, 1.93 ERA) will start for Oakland against LHP Garrett Crochet (6-11, 3.83) in the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox and Garrett Crochet (6-11, 3.83) on Friday night.

Astros: Houston LHP Yusei Kikuchi (8-9, 4.31) opposes LHP Samuel Aldegheri (1-1, 2.45) in the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels Friday night.

AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) high-fives Zack Gelof (20) at the dugout after after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers (6) beats the throw to Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, left, as he scores on an RBI single by Mauricio Dubon during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) and Jason Heyward (22) celebrate in the dugout after Heyward's two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros' Jon Singleton (28) and Jason Heyward (22) celebrate after they both scored on the two-run home run by Heyward against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mitch Spence throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros' Jason Heyward mugs for the dugout camera as he celebrates his two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A landslide caused by heavy rains has killed six people near Mexico City, authorities said.

The landslide on Monday night in Naucalpan, a community northwest of Mexico City, also affected a house and school, the State of Mexico government said in a statement. The victims were four men and two women. Another three people were injured and transported to a state hospital.

State Gov. Delfina Gómez ordered the deployment of rescue teams and security task forces to support affected families.

The deaths in Naucalpan occurred a few days after another landslide killed nine people on Saturday in Jilotzingo, west of Mexico City in the State of Mexico. A 3-month-old baby was among the victims. Two children, ages 10 and 12, and a 34-year-old woman were rescued. Several homes were affected and authorities had to evacuate more than 100 people for fear of further landslides.

The landslides and heavy rains have been pounding the State of Mexico since the start of the rainy season in late July.

In cities like Chalco that have also experienced heavy torrential rains, the combination of unchecked growth and failing infrastructure have caused sewage-infused waters to invade streets, homes and businesses.

Estrella Bejarano, second from left, the mother of two children who died after a rain-induced landslide, speaks with relatives in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Soldiers guard the area where various people died after a rain-induced landslide, in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Residents gather near the site where various were buried after a landslide caused by rains, in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Municipal police officers guard the area where various people died after a rain-induced landslide, in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Residents volunteer at the site where various people died after a rain-induced landslide, in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Dogs sit next to a damaged house where various people died after a rain-induced landslide, in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Estrella Bejarano, center, the mother of two children who died after a rain-induced landslide, speaks with Mexico State Governor Delfina Gomez in Naucalpan, Mexico, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)