OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Marco Scutaro smacked a three-run homer with two out in the bottom of the ninth to give Oakland a 3-0 win over Baltimore Wednesday night.
B.J. Ryan (3-4), in his second inning of relief, surrendered Scutaro's winning blast to take the loss for the Orioles, who wasted a sharp performance from newly-recalled Bruce Chen on their way to their ninth loss in a row, a season high.
Chen, in his first appearance in the majors since May 27, held the Athletics to just three hits in seven shutout innings, walking four and striking out three.
Oakland starter Rich Harden matched Chen every step of the way, holding the Orioles scoreless in a brilliant, eight-inning performance.
The Athletics' third straight victory and eighth in nine games enabled them to maintain their half-game lead in the AL West over Anaheim.
