The Houston Astros are a season-best 11 games over .500 after stringing together five straight victories but an unexpected rotation shakeup on Monday presents a new challenge.

Now they’ll take on the division-leading Houston Astros for the first of four games to kick off a nice weeklong homestand and hopefully secure their 30th win of the year tonight. The Athletics will welcome a familiar face to the broadcast team tonight as former fan favorite Tony Kemp joins the broadcast for his first time calling an A’s game: Kemp played four years with the Athletics and was beloved for his heart and hustle during some tough losing seasons.

On the flip side, the Houston Astros, who swept the A's in a quick two-game series at the end of May, are entering this series in West Sacramento at 41-30, 4.5 games up in the AL West, and 13 games above the A's. They're also on a five-game win streak and have won eight of their last ten.

Nick Kurtz hit a solo ninth-inning homer to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

Guardians Activate Playoff Hero Lane Thomas After Astros Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cleveland Guardians, fresh off a series loss to the surging Houston Astros at home, now turn their focus to a two-game set against the Cincinnati Reds in the battle of Ohio teams.

The M’s on Friday got a strong start from Luis Castillo, three scoreless innings from the bullpen and the offense pounded out 16 hits on its way to seven runs. Then on Sunday it was seven shutout innings from Emerson Hancock, two easy innings from the bullpen and six runs from the offense.