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Lowrie haunts former club with 2 big hits

Astros shortstop played for A's during the 2013-14 seasons

HOUSTON -- Jed Lowrie spent the 2013-14 seasons with the A's, but that doesn't mean he didn't want to stick it to his former club.

Lowrie, who signed a three-year deal to return to the Astros, went 2-for-3 with his team-leading third home run of the season and a walk in the Astros' 6-1 win on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.

"You always want to do well, but when you know all the guys, or most of the guys over there, you want to beat them," said Lowrie, who was traded to Oakland from Houston prior to the 2013 season. "I know all those guys feel the same way."

Video: OAK@HOU: Lowrie's no-doubter gives Astros quick lead

Lowrie, a switch-hitter, has been a steady presence in the Astros' lineup throughout their early season offensive struggles. He's hitting .286 with a team-leading five RBIs and a .394 on-base percentage through eight games.

"I love the quality of his at-bats," manager A.J. Hinch said. "You know what you're going to get out of Jed every night, is an at-bat where he works the count or gets a good pitch to hit or drives the ball. He's one of the most prepared guys we have, and to watch him go through his daily routine, there's no secret as to why he's very consistent at what he does."

In the first inning, Lowrie crushed a 2-2 pitch from former teammate Drew Pomeranz over the wall in left field for a two-run homer that gave the Astros a 2-0 lead. He shot a double to right field in the third to score George Springer from first base for a 3-1 lead, and he drew a walk in the sixth.

"That's what I do," Lowrie said. "I try to have a professional, consistent approach at the plate. I've always believed that if I do that my results will be what I want them to be."

Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter.
Read More: Houston Astros, Jed Lowrie