Altuve, Gurriel perfect in second win over Athletics

Photo courtesy of Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Another night, another explosive offensive performance.

In their second game of the season, the Astros once again detonated on the Oakland Athletics, scoring nine runs en route to a 9-5 win over Oakland on Friday night.

The Astros picked up right where they left off the night prior, scoring runs early and often. Oakland's Jesús Luzardo kept the bats quiet in the first two innings of the contest, but he exhibited issues with command, and allowed three hits in those first two frames.

Houston would make good on the young southpaw's mistakes in the third inning, as a first-pitch fastball was promptly deposited into deep left field by Alex Bregman on a three-run homer. It was his second home run in as many days.

Yuli Gurriel would add to the damage with his own solo shot in the fourth inning, followed by an RBI double from Michael Brantley that would score Altuve and push the lead to 5-0.

José Altuve and Gurriel were sensational in the second game of the season. Both reached all five times they went to the plate; Altuve would accrue three hits while drawing two walks, with Gurriel doing the same in his five plate appearances.

And the highlight of Altuve's night? His mad dash to home plate on a sacrifice pop up that barely left the infield -- a race that he won.

Though the Athletics would attempt to stage a comeback late, cutting the lead down to one heading into the ninth inning, a three-run final frame would effectively seal the deal for the Astros and net them their second straight win to begin the season.

Manager Dusty Baker wasn't short on praise for Altuve after the game. "José is one of the top energy players in the game... A very intelligent player and a great baserunner. That was the shortest sacrifice fly I’ve ever seen."

Altuve offered a simple answer when asked about his reasoning for taking off. "I think it’s just a reaction, adrenaline that I had the whole game," he said. "It was a little risky, but I’m happy I ended up scoring that run."

"I feel really good right now," he added. Altuve is 4-7 with three walks to begin the season.

The Astros will have a chance to win their four-game series against Oakland with a win on Saturday. Lance McCullers Jr. will make his season debut opposite rookie pitcher Cole Irvin for the A's. First pitch is scheduled for 3 PM CT.