Disastrous fourth inning sinks A’s as they drop series opener to Astros

OAKLAND — Through three innings, Ross Stripling flirted with a start to remember. Midway through the fourth, Stripling departed with a start to forget.

After retiring the first nine batters he faced on Friday night at the Coliseum, Stripling allowed six runs on eight hits and failed to complete the fourth inning as the A’s fell to the Astros, 6-3.

“It just kind of spiraled on him,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said.

Oakland (21-32), fresh off taking two of three from the Rockies...