Correa has 2 HRs, 4 RBIs in win over A’s

HOUSTON — Carlos Correa succinctly summed up his big day which led the Houston Astros to yet another win on Thursday.

“It’s always good to hit a home run,” he said. “It’s even better to hit two.”

Correa’s two homers and four RBIs gave the Astros a 6-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics to improve their MLB-best record to 54-26.

Correa’s two-run shot in the fourth put the Astros up 2-1. He extended the lead to 5-1 with a two-run homer to straightaway center field with no outs in the sixth inning to chase rookie Daniel Gossett (1-3).

“The first time through the order he was really tough,” manager A.J. Hinch said of Gossett. “Our guys looked like the second time around we really went out with a plan to hunt some pitches and we didn’t miss them. Obviously when our guys get pitches to hit that they’re looking for they can do some damage.”

It was the fourth career multihome run game for Correa, who has reached safely in a career-high 17 straight games, and his first this season.

The victory improves Houston to 10-2 against the Athletics this season and 17-2 against them since July 20, 2016.

Houston starter Brad Peacock (5-1) allowed two hits, one run and struck out seven but lasted only five innings after tying a career high by walking six.

Gossett, who was making his fourth major league start, allowed seven hits and five runs in five innings for his second loss to the Astros in 10 days.

“I wasn’t getting ahead very well ... 1-0, 2-0 to every batter,” Gossett said. “I’ve got to throw more pitches in the zone so stuff will happen. It’s just quality of pitches late in the game.”

Josh Reddick had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

The Athletics went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on base as they lost for the second straight day.

Adam Rosales grounded into a force out to drive Oakland’s only run in the fourth inning.

Gossett didn’t allow a baserunner until Reddick doubled with one out in the fourth inning. He retired Jose Altuve before Correa’s 15th homer this season landed in the bullpen in right field to give Houston a 2-1 lead.

Reddick singled to start Houston’s sixth before scoring on a double by Altuve to push the lead to 3-1 before Correa’s second home run.

Trainer’s room — Athletics: Manager Bob Melvin expects RHP Jharel Cotton to start on Saturday after his scheduled start on Thursday was pushed back because of a blister on his right thumb . ... Melvin said he hoped that 1B Yonder Alonso would be back in the lineup on Friday after sitting out on Thursday after fouling a ball off his right knee the night before.