MLB: Oakland 8, Chicago Cubs 7

OAKLAND, Calif., July 3 (UPI) -- Derek Norris stroked a three-run homer in the eighth inning Tuesday that powered the Oakland Athletics to an 8-7 triumph over the visiting Chicago Cubs.

Norris, who went 2-for-3 in the contest, cleared the centerfield wall two innings after the Cubs took a 7-5 edge on a two-run double by Wellington Castillo.

Norris helped seal the win in the ninth by taking part in a double play.

Dan Otero (1-0) secured the win in relief with a scoreless eighth inning.

Castillo drove in three runs for the Cubs, who had won four of their previous five games. Alfonso Soriano blasted a three-run homer.

James Russell (1-2) came into the game and served up the decisive home to Norris and was tagged with the loss.