Strong start by Montas leads Athletics over Astros 2-1

HOUSTON (AP) — Oakland manager Bob Melvin was a bit concerned when his team didn't add on after jumping out to a 2-0 first-inning lead Thursday. The Athletics had led in the first two games of this series before the Astros rallied for wins.

This time Frankie Montas and Oakland's bullpen made sure that those early runs were enough.

Jed Lowrie and Matt Olson drove in a run each to back a strong start by Montas and give the Athletics a 2-1 win over Houston.

“We’re not playing our best baseball right now, so it’s important not to get swept and stay out of serious ruts," Melvin said.

The victory stopped a three-game skid for Oakland and ended a six-game winning streak for the Astros, who lead the AL West.

Lance McCullers Jr. (6-2) lost for the first time in 10 starts since April 14.

“I settled in and had a solid day, felt good," McCullers said. “Early on the changeup was pretty horrific but later on it came through. I was pretty happy with most of my stuff today."

Montas (8-7) fanned 10 while allowing five hits and a run over 6 2/3 innings for the win.

“He might have had his best overall stuff of the year and he needed it," Melvin said.

Montas said Thursday was the best he's felt all season.

“I was able to throw my splitter when I wanted," he said. “The splitter was what was working for me today. They were swinging and I was throwing strikes."

Jake Diekman gave up one hit in a scoreless ninth for his seventh save in 11 chances.

The Athletics jumped on McCullers early. Elvis Andrus doubled with one out in the first and advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Olson's ground-rule double.

Lowrie singled on a grounder to center field to score Olson and make it 2-0.

The Astros had trouble getting much going against...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Strong-start-by-Montas-leads-Athletics-over-16302176.php