Norris Grand Slam in ninth lifts A’s

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Derek Norris hit a grand slam with two outs in the top of the ninth, capping a five-run rally and lifting the Oakland Athletics to an 11-7 victory over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.

Jemile Weeks homered from both side of the plate, singled and walked and Chad Pennington went 4 for 4 with a double for the A’s.

Weeks led off the game with a drive to left-center off Rangers starter Martin Perez and then homered to right-center with two outs in the fourth against right-hander Neil Ramirez.

Texas was without manager Ron Washington, who left the team because of a death in his family.

Oakland right-hander Brad Peacock struggled for the second time in three starts, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over 2 1-3 innings.

Josh Hamilton, who left Wednesday’s game with a jammed right heel, started in center field and went 0 for 3 for the Rangers.