Improved Astros get Jose Altuve back vs. struggling A's

The Houston Astros seemed an unlikely bet to claim their second series sweep of the season when they entered the bottom of the eighth inning on Wednesday while facing a five-run deficit.

But in what might have been the clearest sign that things are taking a turn for the better, the Astros scoredtwo runs in the eighth before a four-run rally in the ninth inning capped their 7-6 interleague victory over the Chicago Cubs.