The Houston Astros wrap up their three-game set against the Athletics this afternoon.

The Astros dropped the second game of the series last night in a 6-0 shutout, their fifth straight loss. Athletics starter Luis Severino was stellar through 6.1 innings, allowing no runs and just three hits. Hunter Brown, who has had a strong season overall, was effective early but gave up three runs in the fifth inning.

Houston is out of the AL West race after the Seattle Mariners clinched the division last night. But the Astros remain alive in the chase for the third and final AL Wild Card spot, trailing the Detroit Tigers by just one game.

After this series, Houston closes the season with three against the Los Angeles Angels. The Tigers, meanwhile, are reeling with eight straight losses heading into a tough matchup with the Boston Red Sox.

The tiebreaker between Detroit and Houston favors the Tigers, who won the season series 4-2, meaning the Astros would need to surpass them outright to secure a Wild Card berth.

Framber Valdez takes the ball for Houston. He’s 12-11 with a 3.75 ERA, but has hit his worst stretch of the year at the worst possible time, going 1-6 with a 6.64 ERA over his last seven starts. That run included a rough outing against the Athletics earlier this month, when he allowed five runs over six innings with four walks.

J.T. Ginn gets the start for the Athletics. He’s 4-6 with a 4.57 ERA. After a disastrous August (0-4, 7.24 ERA), Ginn has turned things around in September with a 2-0 record and 1.76 ERA across three starts.

He’s faced Houston three times this year, twice in relief and once as a starter. In that lone start, he tossed six scoreless innings.

Prediction

Expect another frustrating afternoon for Houston as Valdez’s struggles continue and Ginn keeps his hot streak alive.

Prediction: Athletics 5, Astros 3

Starting Lineups

Houston Astros

1. José Altuve – 2B

2. Isaac Paredes – DH

3. Carlos Correa – 3B

4. Victor Caratini — C

5. Christian Walker – 1B

6. Jesus Sanchez – RF

7. Zach Cole – CF

8. Taylor Trammell – LF

9. Mauricio Dubon – SS

Starting Pitcher: Framber Valdez (LHP) — 12-11, 3.75 ERA

Athletics

1. Shea Langeliers – DH

2. Jacob Wilson – SS

3. Tyler Soderstrom – LF

4. Brent Rooker – RF

5. Colby Thomas – CF

6. Nick Kurtz – 1B

7. Darell Hernaiz – 2B

8. Brett Harris – 3B

9. Willie MacIver – C

Starting Pitcher: J.T. Ginn (RHP) — 4‑6, 4.57 ERA

How to Watch Astros vs. Athletics

First pitch for this afternoon’s Astros-Athletics game is set for 3:35 PM Eastern / 2:35 PM Central / 12:35 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: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Time: 3:35 PM Eastern / 2:35 PM Central / 12:35 PM Pacific

Venue: Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA

TV: NBC Sports California and Space City Home Network

Streaming: MLB.TV