The Astros went just 3-6 on their nine-game West Coast trip and will return to Houston with a five-game losing streak and possession of last place in the American League West. A few hitters stepped up during the slide, though: Jose Altuve, Marwin Gonzalez, Chris Carter and Carlos Pena. Pena could make the biggest difference for the rebuilding Astros moving forward. He hit his second home run of the season Wednesday during the Astros’ 7-5 loss to the Athletics, and it was the 13-year veteran’s second consecutive game with a long ball. The 34-year-old first baseman/designated hitter is 10-for-29 with four doubles, six walks and six RBIs in his last [...]