The Houston Astros (84‑72) begin a six-game road trip tonight to wrap up the season, starting with a three-game set against the Athletics (73‑83).
Houston dropped the first game of the series 5-1. The Athletics tagged starter Cristian Javier for four runs (three earned) on six hits across 4.2 innings. They got a strong start from Jeffrey Springs, who allowed just one run on three hits over five innings, before the bullpen shut the door with four scoreless, hitless innings.
With the loss, the Astros fell four games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West race. While they aren’t entirely out of the division chase — the Mariners face the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers next — Houston’s most realistic path remains the Wild Card. They currently sit one game behind the Detroit Tigers for the third and final Wild Card spot, which is a two-way race between the former divisional leaders.
Tonight, the Astros turn to Hunter Brown, who has been a stabilizing force in the rotation. Brown enters at 12-8 with a 2.30 ERA, including a dominant stretch over his last seven starts with a 1.64 ERA. He’s already handled the Athletics once this year, giving up just one run over six innings.
Luis Severino gets the start for the Athletics. The former New York Yankee has endured an up-and-down season, entering at 7-11 with a 4.72 ERA. Since returning from the IL this month, he’s posted a 4.05 ERA across four starts, though each outing has been limited to five innings. That means the Athletics’ bullpen will likely play a major role again.
Prediction
The Astros have the clear edge with Brown on the mound. Expect Houston’s lineup to grind out enough runs against Severino before turning the game over to their bullpen.
Prediction: Astros 5, Athletics 3
Starting Lineups
Houston Astros
1. José Altuve – 2B
2. Isaac Paredes – DH
3. Carlos Correa – SS
4. Christian Walker – 1B
5. Jesus Sanchez – LF
6. Yainer Díaz – C
7. Jake Meyers – CF
8. Zach Cole – RF
9. Ramon Urias – 3B
Starting Pitcher: Hunter Brown (RHP) — 12‑8, 2.30 ERA
Athletics
1. Nick Kurtz – 1B
2. Shea Langeliers – C
3. Tyler Soderstrom – LF
4. Brent Rooker – DH
5. Jacob Wilson – SS
6. Lawrence Butler – CF
7. Max Schuemann – 2B
8. JJ Bleday – RF
9. Brett Harris – 3B
Starting Pitcher: Luis Severino (LHP) — 7‑11, 4.72 ERA
How to Watch Astros vs. Athletics
First pitch for tonight’s Astros-Athletics game is set for 10:05 PM Eastern / 9:05 PM Central / 7:05 PM Pacific at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento.
The game will be televised on NBC Sports California and Space City Home Network. Out‑of‑market fans can stream via MLB.TV.
Houston Astros vs. Athletics
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 10:05 PM Eastern / 9:05 PM Central / 7:05 PM Pacific
Venue: Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
TV: NBC Sports California and Space City Home Network
Streaming: MLB.TV