A’s rookie right hander lit up by surging Astros

HOUSTON — The Oakland A’s were hopeful they had left the numerous woes of the 2023 season behind.

But most of this month, especially this past week, has been a reminder that the A’s remain a massive work in progress after last season’s 50-win campaign.

Rookie Joey Loperfido hit his first major league home run and Cristian Javier pitched six scoreless innings Thursday night to help the Houston Astros beat the Athletics 8-1 and complete a four-game sweep at Minute Maid Park.

The...