Athletics look to complete improbable sweep of Astros

(Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
After completing a double-digit drubbing of the San Diego Padres on Sunday and expanding their lead in the American League West to 2 1/2 games, the Houston Astros -- with the last-place Oakland Athletics next on their schedule -- appeared poised to put some distance between themselves and their closest pursuers for the division crown.

However, following 4-0 and 6-2 losses to