OAKLAND -- The way Lawrence Butler has been swinging the bat in July, it felt as though he was destined to make history Tuesday night in the A’s 8-2 victory over the Astros at the Coliseum based on how it started out.

Butler led off the bottom of the first inning by roping a triple off Houston starter Jake Bloss and then took him deep for a 411-foot solo home run in the third. After doubling in the sixth, the A’s right fielder was due to bat in the eighth needing only a single to complete the 18th cycle in A’s history.

Facing Astros reliever Rafael Montero, Butler never got the pitch he was looking for, drawing a walk on five pitches. He came up just short of joining exclusive company, instead settling for a 3-for-4 night that marked his sixth consecutive multihit contest in what continues to be a scorching hot month.

Butler had a highlight play on defense, too, registering an outfield assist in the first inning when he threw out Alex Bregman at home plate.