A’s keep streaking while Giants are struggling

OAKLAND COLISEUM  — For A’s fans and the current group of A’s players, taking two in a row from the defending World Champions is a big deal.

That was the sentiment from Derek Norris who hit a two-run homer Tuesday night in the A’s 6-3 win over the Giants:

A’s catcher Derek Norris

Audio: Ryan Leong/SFBay

“I take a tremendous amount of pride in getting a ‘w’ for this ball club because we work so hard and we have so many talented players. And anytime you can take a victory against the defending World Series champs and now two in a row, it’s definitely satisfying.”

Jarrod Parker pitched seven innings giving up only five hits and two runs, striking out four for the win. Parker has pitched seven innings in each of his last three outings:

A’s pitcher Jarrod Parker

Audio: Ryan Leong/SFBay

“It’s not something I’m going to hang my hat on or get too excited about but it’s something we’ve worked on and the combination of getting the mechanical stuff down and feeling good. It’s great to continue doing this, keep working and obviously there’s room for improvement, there always is.”

Adam Rosales also went deep for the A’s who have won nine of the last 11 games at home in the Bay Bridge series.

For the Giants, it was the Major League debut for lefty Michael Kickham. He retired the first four batters he faced, but his final pitching line wasn’t pretty.

Kickham worked only 2-1/3 innings, allowing four hits, four runs, four walks, and three strikeouts in the loss.
He said making his debut was something he’ll never forget:

Giants pitcher Michael Kickham

Video: CSN Bay Area

“It was awesome just to get the opportunity to put on the jersey. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity and I hope it goes better next time. It didn’t go how I wanted obviously but all I’ll just learn from it and that’s all I can do, move on.”

Former Athletic Chad Gaudin pitched three innings out of the bullpen giving up two hits, a run, two walks, and two strikeouts.

The Giants have been one of the better teams at home, but their road record sunk to 9-15. Hunter Pence homered and had two RBIs for the Giants, who have lost four of their last six games.

The Giants were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, and with only six hits in the game, manager Bruce Bochy is concerned:

Giants manager Bruce Bochy

Video: CSN Bay Area

“We’ve got some guys struggling right now, I think that’s fair to say. We’re have a tough time getting this offense going and keeping the line moving and we’re just not doing much. We need to get some guys going.”

In the second inning, Lowrie singled to right center with one out. Norris hit a fastball to left field for his second home run of the season.

Oakland scored two more runs in the third. Chris Young walked and Yoenis Cespedes doubled. Josh Donaldson was intentionally walked before Lowrie walked with the bases loaded forcing in a run. Nate Freiman then singled to right, scoring Cespedes.

The A’s loaded the bases against Gaudin in the fifth and Seth Smith walked with the bases loaded.

In the eighth, Rosales ended an 0-for-24 slump at the plate with a home run to left field over the out of town scoreboard.

The Bay Bridge series continues in San Francisco Wednesday night with Tim Lincecum (3-4, 4.75) opposed by Oakland lefty Tommy Milone (3-5, 5.19). First pitch is at 7:15 p.m.

Notes

Aaron Hern, the 12-year old from Martinez injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. … Cespedes’ double in the third inning extended his hitting streak to ten games. … The Giants have won only three road series all year. … Pence is 6-for-37 (.162) over his last 10 games. … Pablo Sandoval is 2-for-21 (.095) over his past six games and 7-for-40 over his last 10 contests. … Both teams wore their batting practice caps during the game.