Astros shut down A's again 5-1

OAKLAND - Carlos Correa homered, Mike Fiers struck out five over six innings to win his fourth decision in a row and the majors-best Houston Astros won for the ninth consecutive time in Oakland, beating the Athletics 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Evan Gattis hit a two-run single in the sixth to break a scoreless tie and back Fiers (5-2). The right-hander also won his seventh consecutive road decision in his last 11 away outings for Houston (49-24).

Jake Marisnick added an RBI single in the decisive sixth inning of the Astros' 14th victory in the last 15 overall against Oakland. Marisnick added a sacrifice fly in the eighth after the A's got on the board with pinch-hitter Stephen Vogt's RBI groundout.

Correa connected for his 14th homer in the ninth against Josh Smith.

A's lefty Sean Manaea (6-4) lost for the first time in seven starts since a May 15 defeat at Seattle.

He had won five consecutive decisions overall, but is yet to beat Houston in six starts.

Vogt, a catcher, played left field for the first time since July 2, 2014, at Detroit and had several balls immediately hit his way as Oakland lost a third consecutive game since an impressive four-game sweep of the New York Yankees over the weekend.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Astros: INF Marwin Gonzalez, who injured his left hand earlier this month, didn't play against a lefty starter - his second consecutive game out of the lineup. He is healthy but manager A.J. Hinch said he wants to wait until the weekend at Seattle to use Gonzalez against left-handed pitchers.

Athletics: 3B Matt Chapman sat out for a third consecutive day with a left knee infection. An antibiotic is helping. “Swelling's coming down a little bit, range of motion better. I'm not sure when we're going to be comfortable putting him in the field yet, but it's not today,” manager Bob Melvin said. ... RF Matt Joyce returned to the lineup leading off after missing Tuesday with back tightness. ... SS Marcus Semien, who had right wrist surgery April 18, will begin his spring training-like rehab assignment Friday with Class-A Stockton. It's not going to be just a handful of games, Melvin said. ... RHP Chris Bassitt, working back from Tommy John surgery in May 2016, threw 15 pitches over two simulated innings.