The A's mustered just five hits Tuesday and didn't score until the eighth inning as they lost their second straight to the Astros 3-1.
Kendall Graveman pitched well, but took the loss. In seven innings, he allowed four hits and three earned runs, but gave up two long home runs in the process.
Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus got the scoring started with a solo homer in the second inning. Rookie Alex Bregman added to Houston's lead in the third inning with an RBI-single to score George Springer.
Evan Gattis gave the Astros a 3-0 lead with a monster home run in the bottom of the seventh.
The A's snapped their 17-inning scoreless streak with a run in the top of the eighth. Max Muncy led off the inning and reached on an error by Carlos Correa. Brett Eibner followed with an infield single. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch by Astros reliever Luke Gregerson. Muncy scored on a groundout to shortstop by Marcus Semien.
The A's will try to avoid the sweep Wednesday when they send Ross Detwiler to the mound against Mike Fiers. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 a.m.
