Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (5-9) took a step back as he was hit hard and was pegged with his ninth loss of the season Friday night against the Athletics. The left-hander was touched up for five runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out three over 3 1/3 innings of a 7-5 defeat.

Keuchel has allowed eight runs over his last 10 1/3 innings pitched. He is scheduled to make his next start Friday at home against the Angels.