Preview: Astros at Athletics, April 5, 2026

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Houston Astros will look to continue their strong early-season form when they visit the struggling Athletics in the finale of a three-game series Sunday evening at Sutter Health Park.

The Astros (6-3) evened the series with an 11-0 rout on Saturday and have won five of their last six. The Athletics (2-6) have dropped four of five and will try to salvage a series split before embarking on a lengthy East Coast road trip.

Houston is projected to start right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0). The Athletics are expected to counter with right-hander Jacob Lopez (0-1).

A player to watch for the Astros is right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who dominated the Athletics on Saturday. Imai earned the win with 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out nine. For Oakland, reliever Luis Medina will be a key figure after pitching two innings with four strikeouts in Saturday’s loss.

The teams have split the first two games of this series decisively, with the Athletics winning 11-4 on Friday before Houston’s shutout victory.

Offensively, the Astros have been potent, scoring eight or more runs in five of their nine games. First baseman Christian Walker went 3 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs in Saturday’s win. Oakland’s lineup has been inconsistent, scoring three runs or fewer in five of its eight contests.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Astros are favored to win with a projected final score of 7-2. The betting market lists Houston as a -1.5 run favorite with an over/under of 10 runs.

First pitch is scheduled for evening under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 78 degrees.

Following Sunday’s game, the Astros head to Colorado for a three-game series starting Monday. The Athletics begin a seven-game trip Tuesday with three games against the New York Yankees.