Tatsuya Imai allowed only two runs with eight strikeouts over five innings, while the Astros' lineup erupted for 13 runs in the first five frames to secure a big victory.

Tatsuya Imai overcame his mental hurdles on May 7 when the Houston Astros faced the Athletics at home. Imai started and went five frames, fanning eight batters—his second-highest total of the season—while giving up only two runs. The offense exploded with 13 hits in the first five innings, featuring three homers, to take a 13–2 advantage and eventually win. Imai earned his third victory of the season; over his last three starts, he has pitched 17 innings and allowed just four runs, suggesting he is gradually adjusting to major league play.

In the first two innings, Imai allowed the Athletics' leadoff batter to reach base each time, and in the second inning, the visitors even advanced into scoring position. However, Imai struck out two batters in each of those frames to escape unscathed. The Astros' offense got on the board in the bottom of the first with a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the second, they sent eight batters to the plate and launched two home runs, including a grand slam by Yordan Alvarez that made it 6–0.

In the top of the third, with two outs, Imai issued a walk and then gave up two consecutive hits, allowing the Athletics to break their shutout. After hitting a batter, he walked another batter for the second time in the inning, loading the bases and forcing in a run to cut the lead to 2–6. In the bottom of the third, the Astros blasted their third homer of the game, extending the margin to 7–2.

Over the fourth and fifth innings, Imai allowed only one hit to the Athletics' lineup, finishing his five-inning outing with two earned runs. In the bottom of the fifth, the Astros sent ten batters to the plate, collecting six hits—three of which were doubles—and scored six runs to blow the game open at 13–2.

Imai did not return for the sixth inning. He threw 92 pitches in the game, 56 for strikes, recording a season-high eight strikeouts. He walked three batters, allowed five hits, and gave up two earned runs. Over his last three starts, Imai has pitched at least five innings each time, totaling 17 frames with 15 strikeouts, nine walks, eight hits (including one homer), and four earned runs, indicating he is gradually adapting to the majors.

The Astros defeated the Athletics 13–2, and Imai picked up his third win of the season.