Max Muncy’s solo homer caps off Athletics’ rally to beat Astros

Max Muncy’s solo homer caps off Athletics’ rally to beat Astros HOUSTON — August 23, 2026 - 5:59 pm — The Associated Press The Athletics erased a six‑run deficit to edge the Houston Astros 7‑6 on Sunday, thanks to a go‑ahead solo home run by Max Muncy in the seventh inning. Brian Serven ignited the comeback with a three‑run shot in the fifth inning, his fourth homer of the season. Lawrence Butler added an RBI double and Tommy White drove in two runs to tie the game at 6‑6. Muncy then deposited a fastball from Steven Okert (6‑2) into the seats, giving Oakland the lead for good. Reliever Jack Perkins (3‑9) worked five innings, striking out six while allowing three runs on three hits. He issued five walks, including two intentional passes to Yordan Alvarez. The club announced its intention to relocate to Las Vegas beginning in the 2028 season, when it will open play at a new ballpark on the Strip. Alvarez, still chasing what would be only the second Triple Crown of this century, fouled a pitch off his foot in the fourth inning but remained in the lineup. He drew his 28th intentional walk of the year in the eighth, breaking Jeff Bagwell’s franchise record, and his third intentional walk of the game tied another club mark. Houston built an early 6‑0 advantage, scoring three in the first, one in the second and two more in the fourth. Jose Altuve launched his 14th homer of the campaign, a two‑run shot to left‑center, and Isaac Paredes contributed a solo shot in the fourth. Hogan Harris closed out the ninth for his 13th save of the season. Astros manager Joe Espada was absent from the dugout due to a family emergency, with bench coach Omar López assuming managerial duties for the contest.