Red Sox running wild

Playing catcher on a hot day isn’t the best experience, but it can be excruciating when it seems like the other team is picking on you.

The Red Sox not only stole a season-high four bases on A’s catcher Josh Phegley on Sunday afternoon, but his throwing error in the fifth inning led to another run in Oakland’s 12-3 loss.

Oakland starter Andrew Triggs didn’t do Phegley any favors.

“He’s gotta be quicker to the plate,” manager Bob Melvin said.

Phegley had thrown out four of nine attempted base stealers this season going into Sunday’s game. Andrew Benintendi stole two bases in the fourth inning, and Christian Vazquez and Xavier Bogaerts each swiped second base in the fifth inning. Phegley did throw out Dustin Pedroia in the second.

“We gave them extra outs, and then they have a few guys who can run,” Melvin said, alluding to the A’s three errors.

The A’s have allowed 38 stolen bases, tied with Pittsburgh for most in the majors. Alonso back Tuesday: Yonder Alonso (knee soreness) was available to pinch-hit Sunday, even if he didn’t start for the fourth straight game.

Melvin expects him to start Tuesday night against the Marlins.

“He went after it in the (batting) cage today,” Melvin said before Sunday’s game.

Alonso’s 12 homers are second on the A’s behind Khris Davis’ 13; the A’s lead the American League with 64.

“We have some depth, and we’re not just relying on Yonder and Khris,” Melvin said. “You’re not always going to hit homers and you have to do other things well, but that’s a nice little dynamic to have, knowing that one swing can put a couple of runs on the board.” Briefly: Reliever Sean Doolittle threw 15 pitches off the mound in his latest step after a shoulder injury. The lefthander will aim for 25 in his bullpen session Wednesday . ... Pedroia has hit safely in each of his past 24 games against Oakland, the longest streak for any active major-leaguer.