The Astros smacked the Oakland Athletics 8-1 at Minute Maid Park. Cristian Javier was nails. The starting pitcher went six innings, struck out eight and only allowed two hits. He improved to 3-and-1 on the season. Yainer Diaz powered the offense with a three-run double. Joey Loperfido chipped in with a two-run home run, the first of his career. The Astros have won five in-a-row and sit third in the AL West at 19-and-25. They remain home to host the Milwaukee Brewers tonight. Right-hander Hunter Brown will start opposite Milwaukee righty Freddy Peralta.