A’s Pitching and Defense Implode in Blowout Loss to the Astros

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Manager Mark Kotsay #7 of the Athletics takes the ball from pitcher Luis Morales #19 taking Morales during a pitching change against the Houston Astros in the top of the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Athletics’ second home game of 2026 was exactly the opposite of its first game.

After the A’s blew out the Houston Astros 11-4 in yesterday’s series-opener, the Astros responded with a blowout win of their own, taking advantage of porous A’s pitching and defense to win 11-0. Playing in front of a crowd full of A’s fans clad in the team’s new Sacramento jerseys, the hosts looked to make it two wins in a row. Welcome to the show, Sacramento Golds ⭐️ pic.

twitter. com/X2rvuTKDN1 — Athletics (@Athletics) April 4, 2026 Yet, from the first pitch, it became apparent that today was not the A’s day. A’s starting pitcher Luis Morales hoped to bounce back from a rough first start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

That did not happen as he actually pitched worse this afternoon. The visitors scored two runs in the top of the first to seize the early lead. Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai proceeded to get through his first inning unscathed.