Oakland Athletics Get 3 In 9th, Walk Off On Astros

Apr 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16) is congratulated by team mates after Reddick hit a deep single to score Oakland Athletics left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (not pictured) in the bottom of the ninth and give Oakland the game over the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum. Oakland won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Reddickcapped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth with an RBI single and the Oakland Athletics scored a 4-3 walk off win over the Houston Astros Saturday at O.co Coliseum.

Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the ninth, the A’s (12-5) were able to come back against Houston closerChad Qualls(0-1).

Jed Lowriegot the rally started by lining his second homer of the season to right field andJosh Donaldsonkept things going with a walk.Yoenis Cespedesfollowed with a single and after pinch-hitterJohn Jasostruck out,Alberto Callaspotied the game with a single to center that also chased Cespedes to third.

Reddick followed by lining a single to right-center to send Cespedes home to start the pileup at the plate.

Dan Otero(3-0) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Scott Kazmir, however, had a terrific start for Oakland, working eight innings—just the second time he’s gone that far in a start since returning to the majors with the Indians last season. He allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits, striking out five with no walks.

The Astros (5-13) opened the scoring onJonathan Villar’s one-out homer in the third. Villar, a 23-year-old shortstop, has three home runs in 52 at-bats this season after hitting one in 241 plate appearances a year ago.

Oakland tied it up in the bottom of the third whenDaric BartonandCraig Gentrycracked back-to-back doubles to start the inning. Gentry was starting in place ofCoco Crisp, who is still nursing a sore wrist.

The Astros reclaimed the lead in the top of the fourth on an RBI single byMatt Dominguez.

The A’s leaky defense cost them a run in the fifth.

Villar stroked a one-out double and stole third, withDerek Norris’ throw sailing into left field and allowing Villar to score.

That was one of two Oakland errors on the day and runs their American League-worst total to 18 this season. The A’s have 12 errors in their last eight games.

Oakland finished with 14 hits but was 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position, including 2-for-10 before the ninth inning.Nick Puntowas 3-for-4, Reddick was 3-for-5, while Gentry and Cespedes had two hits each.

Reddick is now 6-for-9 in the series against the Astros after opening the season 4-for-41. He’s raised his average from .098 to .200 over the course of the last two games.

The A’s will look to complete the sweep on Sunday at 1:05 p.m., withJesse Chavez(0-0, 1.35) slated to go for Oakland againstBrad Peacock(0-1, 7.45 ERA), who will be making his first start of the season after four relief appearances.

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