Piscotty’s 3rd HR in as many days all A’s need

Unable to crack the Astros in their previous eight meetings, the surging A’s prevailed with a 2-0 victory over their American League West division foes in Monday’s series opener at Minute Maid Park. Stephen Piscotty staked them to a 1-0 lead with his third homer in as many days, launched in the seventh inning against righty Brad Peacock after the A’s worked Gerrit Cole for 108 pitches through six. Piscotty was back for more in the eighth, delivering an insurance run with an RBI single.