Fri Jun 20 05:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Oakland Athletics defeated the Houston Astros 6-4 in 10 innings on Thursday night. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run, walk-off home run off Astros closer Josh Hader. Rookie Willie McIver hit his first major league home run, and Lawrence Butler and Jacob Wilson also homered for the A’s. The A’s bullpen faltered in the eighth, allowing a three-run homer to Victor Caratini, but Michael Kelly earned the win.

**News Article:**

**Kurtz’s Walk-Off Homer Lifts Athletics Over Astros**

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Nick Kurtz blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the 10th inning off Houston Astros closer Josh Hader, giving the Oakland Athletics a thrilling 6-4 victory Thursday night.

The A’s offense was powered by the long ball, with rookie catcher Willie McIver launching his first major league homer, and Lawrence Butler and Jacob Wilson each adding solo shots. McIver’s memorable week continued after his rare pitching appearance earlier this week.

Oakland held a 4-1 lead until the eighth inning when Victor Caratini hit a three-run home run off A’s closer Mason Miller, tying the game. However, Michael Kelly (1-0) shut down the Astros in the top of the 10th to set the stage for Kurtz’s heroics.

Hader (4-1) struck out Max Muncy to start the 10th before Kurtz sent a 2-1 sinker soaring to center field, securing the victory and his second game-ending homer against Houston in four days.

The A’s continue their homestand against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, with LHP Jeffrey Springs (5-5, 4.52 ERA) on the mound. The Astros travel to Anaheim to face the Los Angeles Angels, with RHP Hunter Brown (8-3, 1.88 ERA) starting.

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