Athletics' Jharel Cotton: Pounded in Friday loss

Cotton (2-3) struck out four and gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits and a walk over 4.1 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Astros on Friday.

Analysis:

Cotton may have been a bit too good about putting pitches in the strike zone, as the Astros touched up the young righty for a season high in hits. Houston batters chipped away at the 25-year-old, getting to him for three runs in the first on two singles (one via the infield) and a ground-rule double. It was a disappointing outcome for Cotton after he'd given up just two earned runs over six innings against the Mariners last Saturday. He'll look to bounce back in a road start versus the Twins next Wednesday.