Convenience Big Store: J.P. France gives Astros what they need in win over A's

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Today's starting lineup

The Astros could be playing their final series in Oakland, if the A's move to Las Vegas goes through.

The Coliseum has meant a lot to several Astros.

"This place, it holds a special place in my heart," said third-base coach Gary Pettis, who grew up 15 minutes away. "And to not see baseball being played in Oakland? Yeah, it'd be a sad day. But what are you going to do?"

Said Dusty Baker: "I hate that the city of Oakland doesn't have anything now. They won't have the A's. They don't have the Raiders. They don't have the Warriors. … It's sort of killing the area."

Houston got off to a strong start in the four-game series behind the pitching of J.P. France, who pitched into the eighth of a 3-1 win. A start like that is a key factor for a team needing to save its bullpen when it can.

It was a busy day for UH basketball. Mattress Mack put up $1 million in NIL money for team's trip to Australia. The Cougars got their first Big 12 schedule, and guard Mylik Wilson withdrew his name from the transfer portal and will stay.

In college football, the SEC wrapped up four days of sessions with players and coaches. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who often says a bit much, was quite restrained this year, especially when it came to the topic of Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies.

At the Women's World Cup, host countries New Zealand and Australia opened with wins. For New Zealand, it was an upset over Norway for its first win in World Cup play. For Australia, it beat Ireland and did it without star player Sam Kerr.

Back home, the Dynamo open Leagues Cup play with a match at Orlando.

Stat of the day: 2.05. The ERA on the road for J.P. France, the lowest in the majors this season among starters with at least 40 innings.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

J.P. France #68 of the Houston Astros is taken out of the game by manager Dusty Baker in the eighth inning of their game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on July 20, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Photo by: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Astros insider: J.P. France is king of the road

Astros rookie J.P. France's 2.05 ERA in eight road starts is the majors' lowest this season among starters with 40-plus innings.

Astros 3, A's 1: J.P. France worked into the eighth inning for the first time with the Astros. His outing lowered his season ERA to 3.13.
'A special place': The A's days near the Bay appear numbered, but a shift to Las Vegas can't erase special memories for Dusty Baker, Gary Pettis and Chas McCormick.
Patience: Yordan Alvarez had a day off in Sugar Land from his rehab assignment.

College Basketball

Photo by: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

UH basketball strikes $1 million NIL deal with Mattress Mack

The Cougars will earn compensation for the upcoming trip to Australia.

Welcome to Big 12: Two games apiece against Kansas and Texas, and coach Kelvin Sampson's return to Oklahoma highlight UH's first Big 12 men's basketball schedule.
Farewell tour: The Longhorns will face a daunting schedule in its final season as a member of the Big 12.
Staying home: UH guard Mylik Wilson, who entered the transfer portal in April, will have two years eligibility remaining as he stays with Cougars.
Taste of Texas: The UH women will host all Texas schools in the Big 12 in first year in conference.