A’s set MLB record in loss at Chicago

CHICAGO – The A’s settled for a series split with the White Sox on Sunday, losing 10-3, but still left town with a Major League record.

Mark Canha’s home run in the fifth inning marked the 25th straight road game in which the A’s had homered, breaking the big league record of 24 shared with the 1996 Baltimore Orioles.

After Canha’s homer, Oakland right-hander Paul Blackburn gave up five runs in the bottom half. Blackburn (1-2) departed after allowing another in the sixth.

The A’s opened a 1-0 lead in the second inning as Canha’s sacrifice scored Matt Olson. Canha then slugged his 10th homer of the year – a solo shot to left in the fifth – for a 2-0 lead and the new big league mark.

The White Sox answered with five runs in the bottom of the inning with a three-run double by Yoan Moncada followed by RBI singles from Avisail Garcia and Jose Abreu. Daniel Palka’s sixth inning solo home run with one out made it 6-2 and marked Blackburn’s departure.

Yolmer Sanchez then greeted reliever Liam Hendriks with a solo home run to right-center for a 7-2 Chicago lead. With two out, Hendriks gave up a three-run homer to Moncada as the White Sox opened a 10-2 lead.

Blackburn gave up six runs (all earned) on eight hits while striking out four. White Sox lefthander Carlos Rodon (12) picked up his first win since Aug. 21, 2017. He allowed two earned runs on seven hits and struck out three over eight innings.

Prior to Sunday’s game the A’s also added pitching help with the arrival of veteran right hander Edwin Jackson.

Jackson, 34, joined the A’s from Triple-a Nashville and is scheduled to start Monday’s opener of a four-game series in Detroit.

The A’s are Jackson’s 13th big league club since 2003, his rookie season with the Dodgers. He’s 98-120 with a 4.67 career ERA and was 5-6 with the Nationals last season.

Washington released Jackson on June 1 and the A’s signed him to a minor league contract on June 6, assigning him to the Sounds.

“From what I understand, he’s a terrific gentleman and another great resource for the younger guys to see how he goes about his business,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.