Sonny Gray outpitches buddy Scott Kazmir in A's 4-0 win over Astros

OAKLAND - Sonny Gray outpitched close friend Scott Kazmir, and the Athletics spoiled the former Oakland lefty’s return to the Coliseum mound with a 4-0 win against the AL West-leading Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

Mark Canha hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning after Billy Burns’ earlier solo shot to back Gray (13-7). The All-Star right-hander ended a four-start winless stretch and got the best of mentor Kazmir, traded by the A’s to his hometown Astros on July 23.

Kazmir had been back to the Bay Area with Houston but didn’t pitch against his old team during that trip in early August. He faced the A’s for the first time since Aug. 18, 2013, with the Indians.

The Astros began the day with a two-game division lead over Texas.

Gray allowed five hits, struck out four and walked two in seven innings. He ended a three-game losing streak with his first victory since beating Houston on Aug. 7.

Ryan Dull pitched the final two innings.

Kazmir (7-10) lost his second consecutive decision. He was tagged for four runs and seven hits in six innings.

Gray got through a 1-2-3 first on 11 pitches. Kazmir allowed two singles in the bottom half but escaped unscathed on a night when the game-time temperature of 87 degrees was the warmest at the Coliseum all season.

Houston left the bases loaded in the second after Carlos Gomez’s leadoff double and a pair of one-out walks. Hank Conger struck out and Jake Marisnick fouled out.

The A’s are doing their part to affect the playoff race after holding off the Astros 10-9 on Monday afternoon.

Jed Lowrie was back in Houston’s starting lineup after resting for most of Monday’s game, but went 0 for 4 as his seven-game hitting streak was snapped. He batted .478 (11 for 23) with three home runs, four doubles and seven RBIs during that stretch.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Athletics: C Stephen Vogt had a second ultrasound on his injured groin area after taking a hard foul tip Sunday, and the latest test showed he won’t need any procedure. He was home resting for the second straight day, expected to return to the ballpark Wednesday night. It’s unclear when or if he will play again this year. ... OF Sam Fuld, who last played on Aug. 30 but hasn’t batted since Aug. 25 as he deals with back spasms, could get into the game Wednesday in a defensive role or to pinch run but perhaps isn’t quite ready to hit until the weekend. ... The A’s recalled OF Craig Gentry and INF Max Muncy from Triple-A Nashville.

UP NEXT

Astros: RHP Collin McHugh (15-7) looks to win his third straight start when he pitches the series finale.

Athletics: RHP Aaron Brooks (1-2) tries for his first victory in three starts since being recalled Aug. 29.