OAKLAND — Entering their final home series of the regular season, manager Bob Melvin said the A’s needed to play every game like it was their last. Two games in, they’ve responded by playing with the type of desire needed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Starling Marte roped a walk-off double off Astros closer Ryan Pressly in the ninth at the Coliseum to cap a 2-1 victory over Houston on Saturday afternoon. The win was Oakland’s second straight over their division rivals, though the Yankees’ win over Boston meant the A’s were unable to gain a game in the AL Wild Card standings, remaining four off New York’s pace for the second spot.
Though the initial reaction was celebratory, the elation quickly turned to concern as Elvis Andrus, who scored from first base on Marte’s walk-off hit, appeared to injure himself upon scoring. Down at home plate for a few minutes, Andrus had to be carried off the field into the clubhouse with the help of Matt Chapman and a trainer.
