Astros beat A's as Isaac Paredes homers again

At Daikin Park in Houston, the Astros got another loud night from Isaac Paredes. Houston beat the Athletics 5-1, and Paredes powered the offense with his third home run in as many games while driving in four runs.

The Astros needed a clean, controlled win, and they got one. Paredes supplied the biggest swings, the pitching staff held Oakland to one run, and Houston kept pressure on the A's through the middle innings instead of letting the game drift.

Paredes has been on a tear at the plate, and this game gave Houston the same formula that has worked plenty of times at home. One big bat changed the scoreboard, then the pitching took over. That combination matters this time of year because steady offense behind quality run prevention keeps series wins on the table.

Isaac Paredes fueled the Astros offense

Paredes did the damage early and kept adding to it. His home run extended his streak to three straight games with a long ball, and his four RBIs accounted for most of Houston's scoring in the 5-1 result.

For the Astros, that kind of production changes the shape of a game fast. A one-run edge can feel thin against any major league lineup. A middle-of-the-order hitter driving in four gives the club room to pitch aggressively and play cleaner defense behind it.

Houston did not need a slugfest. The Astros needed timely hits, and Paredes delivered them. That efficiency stood out as much as the final score.

Houston pitching kept Oakland quiet

The other half of the win came from the mound. The Astros limited the Athletics to one run and never let Oakland build the kind of inning that flips momentum on the road.

That support made Paredes' night hold its value from start to finish. Once Houston grabbed control, the pitching staff protected it. The A's were left chasing, and the Astros avoided the late drama that can wear down a bullpen over a series.

Houston's path in this one was straightforward. Get ahead, add on, throw strikes, and make the Athletics earn everything. The Astros checked each box.

The series continues with Houston trying to keep the offense rolling after three straight games with a Paredes homer. If that streak holds another day, the Astros will have a strong shot to keep stacking wins at home.

This article is a summary of reporting by New Haven Register. Read the full story here.