Framber Valdez threw seven quality innings, Christian Walker homered and drove in three runs and the visiting Houston Astros posted a crucial 11-5 victory over the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif.

Valdez (13-11) allowed one run on seven hits, striking out 10 and walking two. Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes and Carlos Correa each drove in a pair of runs for Houston (85-74), which snapped a five-game losing streak and pulled within a half-game of the Detroit Tigers for the American League's final wild-card spot. Detroit plays at Cleveland Thursday night.

J.T. Ginn (4-7) allowed seven runs on six hits across 3 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking three. Potential AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz slugged two homers for the Athletics (75-84), who had their two-game winning st

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