Davis, Blackburn lead Athletics past Seattle
SEATTLE — Khris Davis hit a three-run homer, Paul Blackburn pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning for his first major league victory and the Oakland Athletics beat the slumping Seattle Mariners 7-4 on Thursday night.
Davis’ 24th homer propelled a four-run fifth inning that put the Athletics in front 7-0. Marcus Semien, activated off the disabled list Thursday, singled to open the inning, and Yonder Alonso walked. Davis, who struck out in his first two at-bats, then sent a 11 pitch over the wall in center to make it 6-0. Bruce Maxwell added a two-out solo homer, his first, to chase starter Sam Gaviglio (3-4).
The only run off Blackburn (1-0) was Mitch Haniger’s seventh home run, a solo shot in the fifth. Blackburn allowed eight hits, did not strike out a batter and walked one over 7 2/3 innings in his second consecutive strong start. He gave up one unearned run in six innings without a decision in his debut on Saturday.
Seattle has lost four straight and nine of 11 since reaching a season-best two games above .500 on June 23.
The Mariners pulled within 7-4 in the ninth on a threerun homer by Danny Valencia, his ninth, off Daniel Coulombe. Santiago Casilla got the final two outs.
Gaviglio was tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings in losing his third consecutive start. He walked three and struck out six.
The Athletics jumped on Gaviglio for three runs in the first. Matt Joyce singled, Semien walked and Alonso doubled to make it 1-0. After Davis struck out, Jed Lowrie one-hopped a two-run double off the wall in right-center.
Blackburn was aided by
double plays in each of the first two innings, followed by a pair of baserunning blunders by the Mariners. Haniger doubled to open the third, but then was thrown out at third base trying to advance on a fly out to center. In the fourth, Jean Segura singled to lead off, but he was picked off first and caught in a rundown.
Athletics moves — Semien was activated off the 60-day DL (fractured bone in right wrist) and RHP Jharel Cotton was placed on the 10-day DL (right thumb blister). Semien missed 74 games. “You look at our lineup and all of a sudden it looks like it’s got a little more length and some more oomph in it,” manager Bob Melvin said. “So, it’s good to get him back. Obviously, we’ve missed him.”