Athletics seek to play spoiler in season-ending series with Astros

The Houston Astros enter a crucial season-ending four-game series against the Athletics tied with the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West. Houston missed an opportunity to pull ahead after a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, where closer Josh Hader allowed two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning.

The Athletics enter the series after securing a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, ensuring they will not lose 100 games this season. Right-hander Peter Lambert is scheduled to start on the mound for the Astros, while shortstop Jeremy Pena could return to the lineup after being limited by a forearm injury.