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.

The Houston Astros are in a must-win game against the Athletics with just four games left and playoff chances growing dimmer.

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.

The slumping Houston Astros fell out of playoff position, managing just three hits against Jeffrey Springs and three Athletics relievers in a 5-1 loss.

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve shares an update on his foot injury as the team fights to stay alive in the 2025 AL Wild Card playoff race.

The Astros mustered just three hits against one of baseball's shakiest pitching staffs in a listless loss to the A's.

The Houston Astros open a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night still alive in the American League postseason race but needing some help to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

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

Shea Langeliers had four hits, including back-to-back home runs with Tyler Soderstrom, and the Athletics beat Houston 6-0, handing the Astros their fifth straight loss