Mason Miller Earns 20th Save: How A’s Bullpen Locked Up Upset Win Over Houston

By Oliver Wiener July 28, 2025 12:03

In a season filled with surprises, Mason Miller and the Oakland Athletics’ bullpen delivered a clutch performance that secured a hard-fought upset win over the Houston Astros. Miller’s 20th save of the campaign not only marked a personal milestone but also underscored the A’s bullpen resilience, which was instrumental in clinching a 4-3 victory at the Oakland Coliseum. This outing exemplified how Oakland’s relief corps has evolved into a reliable force, capable of shutting down even the most potent offenses in the league.

Mason Miller, a 25-year-old right-hander known for his electric fastball and sharp slider, has emerged as a linchpin in the Athletics' late-inning defense. His 20th save came after a nail-biting ninth inning where he struck out two Astros batters, including reigning AL batting champion José Altuve. Miller’s season stats highlight his dominance: a 2.89 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 53 innings pitched, and an impressive WHIP of 1.05. His ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as he retired Houston’s lineup in order, showcasing the poise that has become his trademark.

Reflecting on his milestone, Miller stated, “Every save is a team effort. The guys up front gave me a lead to work with, and I just focus on executing one pitch at a time. The Astros lineup is tough, so getting those outs felt great.” His humility belies the critical role he plays; Miller’s 20 saves place him among the American League’s elite closers this season.

The A’s bullpen as a whole was key to stalling Houston’s potent offense. After starter Paul Blackburn exited following six solid innings limiting the Astros to two runs the bullpen assumed control. Lefty Seth Brown pitched a scoreless seventh, followed by right-hander Bryan Hudson who struck out the side in the eighth. Their combined efforts set the stage perfectly for Miller’s closing role. Oakland's bullpen now ranks in the top third of the MLB for bullpen ERA (3.48), a remarkable improvement given the team’s rebuilding status.

Manager Mark Kotsay lauded the bullpen’s performance postgame: “These guys have been working hard all season to shore things up. Against a team like Houston, every out counts, and Mason’s execution in the ninth was just textbook. It’s a real confidence boost for all of us.”

The win not only snapped a brief losing skid for Oakland but also provided momentum as the Athletics chase a late-season surge. For Houston, it was a reminder that no game is guaranteed, regardless of their offensive firepower, which ranks among the top three in MLB with an average of 5.4 runs per game.

Looking ahead, the A’s will be leaning heavily on Miller and their bullpen to maintain bullpen stability, especially in close contests where every strikeout and defensive play can swing momentum. Miller’s progression from a promising prospect to a reliable closer embodies the Athletics’ broader strategy of developing homegrown talent to compete at the highest level.