A’S PULL A U-TURN

A day after 15-run loss, Oakland collects 25 hits, 6 HRs in a rout of Houston

What’s the best answer to a 15-run loss? How about a 21-7 win the next day.

For the first time since 1908, every single A’s starter had a multi-hit game. The A’s hit six home runs through five innings, tying a season-high for home runs in a single game. The A’s recorded a season-high 25 hits.

Matt Olson hit his 30th and 31st home runs, joining Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi as the only first basemen in A’s history to hit 30 home runs.

Sean Murphy hit two home runs in a three-hit night, the exit velocity on all his contact fell no lower than 100 mph. The exit velocity on his 448-foot home run was 110, and 105 on his blast into the Crawford Boxes.

The A’s hit six home runs, but got a quick start with a single frenzy in the first inning, putting up seven runs against Wade Miley, who left his start after recording just one out.

Khris Davis hit his 20th home run, giving the A’s seven 20 home run hitters this season. He almost hit his 21st, but Josh Reddick robbed him at the right-field wall.

Tanner Roark gave up five runs in 5 2/3 innings, striking out three with one walk.

CATCHER COMES BACK >> The A’s were sad to see catcher Beau Taylor claimed off waivers. The Toronto Blue Jays scooped him up back on Aug. 16, the cost of a roster move that brought Corban Joseph onto the 40-man and big league roster.

When the Blue Jays designated him for assignment last week, the A’s pounced. On Tuesday, the A’s claimed Taylor off waivers and designated catcher Chris Herrmann for assignment.

Manager Bob Melvin said that Taylor was just a “better fit” with the team right now. Herrmann started off the year on the 60-day IL after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on March 8. Herrmann hit a go-ahead grand slam in his first game as an Athletic. He went on to hit .310 over nine games, but went 8 for 55 (.146) over his final 21 games.

Taylor is not postseason eligible, though, which means Josh Phegley and Sean Murphy are the only catchers on the 40-man eligible.

Murphy and Luzardo, though called up on Sept. 1, can be eligible via petition to the commissioners office.

DAVID J. PHILLIP — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Oakland’s Matt Olson, right, hits a two-run home run in Tuesday’s 21-7victory over Houston. Olson’s home run was one of five for the A’s.

DAVID J. PHILLIP — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sean Murphy hits a two-run home run for Oakland during the fourth inning of Monday’s blowout victory in Houston.