Another big start for A’s Jesús Luzardo: series finale vs. Houston Astros - San Francisco Chronicle

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It comes with less fanfare than his previous start, which was the first of Jesús Luzardo’s career, but his outing Sunday at the Coliseum against Houston might bear even more weight, coming as it does against the A’s top division rivals. And Luzardo made his big-league debut against the Astros last year, so he has good memories of facing them.

“I remember a lot about that day, so I have a pretty good memory about what I did to certain guys,” said Luzardo, who allowed one hit and one run in three innings of relief. “But certain guys make certain adjustments, and a scouting report on me probably came out. I’ve got to do some more homework and see how they’re doing this year and what adjustments they made.”

The left-hander is coming off an excellent first big-league start in which he threw five scoreless innings against Texas, but he is always trying to get better. He said Saturday that he hopes to cut down on his walks and show a better slider.

He relishes the chance to pitch against Houston, which is 4½ games behind Oakland. “Definitely facing the Astros is a game we look forward to, big game, big series,” he said, “so I’m glad I get the chance to start.”

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Streak snapped: J.B. Wendelken’s scoreless streak, which began last season, ended Friday at 17 ⅔ innings — but it was an unearned run, thanks to the runner-at-second-base rule instituted for 2020. The right-hander, who is an increasingly important part of Oakland’s bullpen, hasn’t allowed an earned run in 18 ⅔ innings.

Even with the runner scoring in the 13th inning Friday, Wendelken likes the rule, saying, “It does speed up the game. It adds a little bit more adrenaline for relievers coming into game. ... I know some people that don’t like it. But it’s whatever, the game’s going to change no matter what.”

Wendelken likes another rule put in for pandemic reasons — he enjoys sitting in the stands. “I’m not going to lie, I like it so much more,” he said. “It’s more comfortable to say the least. And fun-wise, it’s just the boys talking and drinking way too much Red Bull, plain and simple.”

Briefly: A’s reliever Jake Diekman hasn’t allowed a run in seven outings this year, nor in his past 13 games against Houston. ... Jon Wilson, who rented the plane that towed a “Houston Asterisks” banner over the Coliseum on Friday, said the banner will be back overhead before Sunday’s finale.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

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Another big start for A’s Jesús Luzardo: series finale vs. Houston Astros - San Francisco Chronicle
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