When Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez strolled to the plate in the eighth inning while representing the tying run Wednesday night, not only did the fans who remained in the stands at Daikin Park start making some noise,

Houston is once again betting on upside, as the organization turns to a former highly regarded prospect whose career has taken an unexpected turn in recent years.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay speaks with the media after his team's 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros on Friday at Daikin Park.Mark Kotsay details how ‘one pitch' led to Athletics' loss against Astros o

The A's and Houston Astros open a 3-game series Friday at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.

Hader hasn't pitched in the majors this season after suffering a biceps injury during an offseason throwing session.

One day after scoring six runs with two outs in eighth to win, Houston can't overcome a 5-0 deficit and falls to Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros play the final game of their 3-game series in Houston, Texas on Thursday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

The Athletics got two very different pitching performances Friday night. Jack Perkins struggled through four innings, while Mason Barnett was nearly untouchable in relief. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome in a 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.