OAKLAND, Calif. — Paul Blackburn has been the Athletics’ most consistent starting pitcher this season, but even he couldn’t prevent a 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros Monday at the Coliseum.
The A.L. West leaders, behind left-handed starter Framber Valdez, shut down the A’s offense one day after a season-high 14 hits against Texas.
It was Blackburn’s first loss of the season after five wins and came before a Memorial Day crowd of 8,753. He pitched respectably but gave up a season-high four earned runs. Valdez, in improving to 5-2, threw the first nine-inning complete game of his career. He allowed just two hits and five baserunners, walking three and striking out seven while throwing 114 pitches.
