VIDEO: George Springer Gives Astros Lead With Towering 2-Run Blast off Chris Bassitt

The night after a curshing loss to the Oakland Athletics, the Houston Astros found themselves down a run early after the coughing up a run in the first inning. Fortunately for them, center fielder George Springer absolutely launched a 1-2 offering from Oakland starter Chris Bassitt to give the Astros a one-run lead in the third inning of a pivotal matchup against their division rivals.

The 421-foot missile was Springer's 23rd of the year. And in case the All-Star outfielder thought he'd have the longest dinger of the day, Jose Altuve stepped up in the fifth inning and put an end to that idea. Boy, did he ever.

Sheesh, buddy.

Though the Astros still hold a wide 6.5-game lead over the Athletics in the AL West, a second straight loss to them would make things a bit uncomfortable. Luckily, a pair of big-timers is putting in work in front of the home fans.