JP Sears has quality start, A’s win vs. Astros

OAKLAND — JP Sears does not possess the prototypical stature of a “workhorse” pitcher at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. His performance last season, however, as the only A’s pitcher to make all 32 of his scheduled starts proved he’s more than capable of withstanding the grind of a full season.

Now standing as the only healthy member of Oakland’s Opening Day starting rotation after Ross Stripling landed on the injured list, Sears will again be counted on heavily to provide stability every fifth day.

His performance on Saturday showed he’s up for the task.

In a 3-1 win over the Astros at the Coliseum, Sears delivered a stellar outing by limiting Houston to just one unearned run on two hits and one walk with a strikeout in six innings. The left-hander was also efficient, throwing just 68 pitches, 45 of which went for strikes.

Brent Rooker provided enough offense on his own with a two-run double off Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti in the first.

Mason Miller bounced back from a rough outing on Thursday with three strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth to notch his 10th save of the year.