Athletics 13, Astros 1: Brandon Moss belted his third grand slam of the season and Jeff Samardzija tossed eight strong innings as host Oakland seized the rubber match of the three-game series.

Stephen Vogt ripped a three-run double in the eighth as the Athletics improved to 7-3 versus Houston in 2014 while winning 10 of their last 12 home contests overall. Former Astro Jed Lowrie and Derek Norris each had an RBI single among their three hits apiece and Josh Donaldson also had a run-scoring single in the rout.

Oakland enjoyed a 4-1 lead and quickly loaded the bases in the sixth against starter Scott Feldman (4-8) before Moss deposited a first-pitch fastball from reliever Anthony Bass over the wall in right field. Moss, who has a team-leading 23rd homers - and four in eight games, also belted grand slams May 30 and June 8.

The blast closed the book on Feldman, who suffered his sixth loss in seven decisions after permitting six runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Chris Carter launched his 20th homer in the fourth, but Houston mustered little else en route to falling for the fifth time in seven outings.

Samardzija (4-8) benefited from the offensive explosion to improve to 5-2 in his career versus Houston. The 29-year-old allowed one run on five hits while striking out six.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Moss is the first member of the Athletics to record three grand slams in a season since Miguel Tejada in 2001. The team record is four, set by Jason Giambi in 2000. ... Oakland designated struggling RHP Jim Johnson for assignment prior to the game. Johnson, who posted a 4-2 mark with a gaudy 6.92 ERA, allowed four runs on as many hits and did not retire a batter in Wednesday's 9-7 win. ... The Athletics open a six-game road trip by beginning a three-game set in Texas on Friday. Houston opens a 10-game homestand by hosting Miami on Friday.