A’s win fourth consecutive series with shutout win over Indians

CLEVELAND – It’s hard to explain how these A’s are keeping this up.

The A’s defeated the Indians 6-0 Sunday to clinch yet another series victory, their fourth in a row. As has been the formula for most of the season, the win was fueled by some home runs and strong pitching performances from unlikely sources.

Brett Anderson, who had struggled through his first four starts before landing in the disabled list for over a month with a shoulder strain, returned for his first start off the DL and shut down a hot Indians (49-39) lineup that ranks top-five in most offensive categories with five scoreless innings.

“I hate to say he was effectively wild, because he pitched pretty well and got big outs when he needed to,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “To give us five innings when he wasn’t gonna throw more than 100 pitches, it was a successful performance.”

The left-hander departed after allowing a leadoff single to Jose Ramirez in the sixth, finishing his day by allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three batters.

“Obviously I’d like to go deeper into games,” Anderson said. “But for the first time back in a while to give the team a chance to win and solidify a series win, I’ll take it.”

Despite six A’s pitchers currently nursing injuries on the disabled list, Anderson’s perfor-

A’S / 14 Starting pitcher Brett Anderson of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio.