HOUSTON -- Given the disparity between the Astros' offensive output on the road compared to their relative struggles at home, it felt foreboding that Houston entered the ninth inning Tuesday night with only one run on the scoreboard.
The Astros' three-run rally fell short against the Athletics (35-42) in the series opener, with their 6-4 loss continuing their trend of subpar play at Minute Maid Park relative to their extraordinary performances on the road. Houston fell to 23-17 at home this season compared to 29-9 away from Minute Maid Park.
"I never give up on this team," Astros manager A.