AL- worst A’s savor three- game sweep of Tigers
AMERICAN LEAGUE
ATHLETICS 7, TIGERS 5
DETROIT — The Oakland Athletics are finally enjoying a modest winning streak, and Manager Bob Melvin isn’t about to let the league standings spoil this encouraging stretch.
“We’re just trying to play good — win as many games as we can,” he said. “We’re about trying to climb toward .500, and then worry about where you are in the standings.”
Jesse Hahn allowed one run in seven innings and the A’s completed a three- game sweep of Detroit on Thursday, winning 7- 5 and handing the Tigers their seventh consecutive loss. Oakland has won a season- high four in a row and six of seven.
Now, the reality check: The A’s ( 23- 33) still have the worst record in the American League.
If Oakland is able to make it back to .500, the starting pitching may be the impetus. Over the last 22 games, Oakland starters are 9- 8 with a 2.23 ERA.
“We have some good arms in our starting rotation,” Hahn said. “It starts with Sonny Gray, and everyone kind of feeds off him.”
Hahn ( 3- 5) gave up 5 hits, struck out 5 and walked 1.
Detroit scored four times in the ninth, including a three- run home run by Tyler Collins. Tyler Clippard got two outs for his ninth save.
Josh Phegley hit a two- run triple in the second inning for Oakland.
Shane Greene ( 4- 5) allowed 6 runs — 4 earned — and 8 hits in 41/3 innings. He made a throwing error that contributed to Detroit’s trouble.
The Tigers have lost seven in a row for the first time since April 26
Thursday’s games
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Oakland 7, Detroit 5 Baltimore 3, Houston 2 Minnesota 8, Boston 4 Texas 2, Chicago White Sox 1 ( 11) Cleveland 6, Kansas City 2 ( 8) Tampa Bay at Seattle, ( n)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Chicago Cubs 2, Washington 1 Cincinnati 6, Philadelphia 4 NY Mets at Arizona, ( n) St. Louis at LA Dodgers, ( n)
to May 2, 2011, according to STATS. That was the year they began their current streak of four consecutive AL Central titles.
“Everything is under a microscope when you are losing like this, but there has been no change to our daily routine and no change in the guys’ attitudes,” second baseman Ian
Kinsler said. “We come ready to play but right now the ball is not rolling in our direction.”
Left fielder Daniel Fields, who entered in the third for his major league debut, doubled to right in the ninth for his first hit. He was sent back to the minors after the game. Detroit expects outfielder Rajai Davis to be back from the paternity list in time for today’s game.
ORIOLES 3, ASTROS 2 Adam Jones had three hits, including a solo home run in the eighth inning that lifted Baltimore to a victory over host Houston. With the score 2- 2 in the eighth inning and two outs, Jones drove a pitch from Chad Qualls ( 1- 3) into the Crawford Boxes in left field. Houston starter Dallas Keuchel ( Arkansas Razorbacks) matched his shortest start this season at six innings after consecutive complete games. He allowed 2 runs and 6 hits with 7 strikeouts.
TWINS 8, RED SOX 4 Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval mishandled a throw on a bunt in the ninth inning, and visiting Minnesota broke away from Boston for a four- game split. Torii Hunter ( Pine Bluff) hit his 200th home run in a Twins uniform and added two singles. Hunter’s career 339th home run was a three- run shot.
INDIANS 6, ROYALS 2 ( 8) Brandon Moss hit a two- run home run and visiting Cleveland beat Kansas City in a game called in the eighth inning because of rain. Trevor Bauer ( 5- 2) allowed only a long two- run home run by Lorenzo Cain over 62/ innings to continue his hot streak.
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RANGERS 2, WHITE SOX 1 ( 11) Shinsoo Choo’s single beat Chicago and its defensive shift, sending host Texas to a victory in 11 innings. Texas starter Yovani Gallardo gave up 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 unearned run in his 6 innings.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
REDS 6, PHILLIES 4 Anthony DeSclafani threw seven effective innings, Brandon Phillips had three hits and two RBI and Cincinnati beat host Philadelphia to avoid a three- game sweep. DeSclafani ( 4- 4) allowed four runs and six hits.
CUBS 2, NATIONALS 1 Jake Arrieta pitched six strong innings, and visiting Chicago made two first- inning runs hold up as they defeated Washington. Arrieta ( 5- 4) rebounded from two subpar outings, pitching 6 innings and giving up 1 run and 6 hits.