Christian Walker homered and drove in three runs to back a strong start from Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros beat the Athletics 11-5 to snap a five-game losing streak.

Preview the Sept. 24 matchup between the Houston Astros and Athletics with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Houston Astros' left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez looked somewhat different when he took the mound against the Athletics on Thursday afternoon. It was hard to miss: in what could be Valdez's last start of the regular season as an Astro, he was missing his signature extensions, giving him a unique dreadlock hairstyle.

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz hits a double during the first inning Tuesday against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Kurtz hit two home runs Thursday in the series finale as the A’s lost 11-5 to the Astros. Sergio Estrada Imagn Images

Preview the Sept. 24 matchup between the Houston Astros and Athletics with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.

The Astros were hoping a day off, a switch of scenery, a new time zone, a different opponent -- anything -- would help them shake off last weekend’s sweep at the hands of the Mariners in Houston and c

The biggest punch came in late July when the A's swept a four-game series in Houston and outscored the Astros 32-7. That was the series in which the Athletics' Nick Kurtz had a historic performance by going 6-for-6 with four homers,