OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Chris Carter hit a two-run homer to cap a five-run eighth inning and the Oakland Athletics overcame a shaky outing by rookie Dan Straily to beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-8 Wednesday.
George Kottaras also homered and Yoenis Cespedes added a two-run single for the A’s, who won the final two games of the series against their division rivals after losing the opener.
Oakland, which began the day a game behind Detroit in the AL wild card race, improved to 17-8 since the All-Star break.
Kendrys Morales hit two of the Angels’ five home runs. Four of them came off Straily, the A’s right-hander who was making only his second career start.
Zack Greinke walked five in five innings, remaining winless since his trade from Milwaukee to the Angels.