OAKLAND, Calif., May 9 (UPI) -- Ryan Sweeney touched off a five-run second inning with a two-run homer Friday and the Oakland Athletics went on to defeat Toronto 5-3.
Every run in the game was produced in the second inning. After that, a series of Oakland pitchers battled with Toronto starter Scott Richmond (4-1), who went the distance in the loss, allowing seven hits -- but giving up six of the hits in the second inning.
Michael Wuertz (2-1) got the win with 1 2/3 innings of hitless relief. Russ Springer gave up two hits in the seventh inning and Andrew Bailey worked the final two frames for his first save.
After rolling to a 20-9 record to start the season, Toronto has lost two in a row.
The Blue Jays took the lead in the second on an RBI single by Kevin Millar and a two-run homer by Rod Barajas.
Oakland immediately came back to seize the advantage with its big inning. Sweeney homered with one out after Matt Holliday had opened the inning with a single.
Travis Buck then singled and scored on a double by Jack Hannahan, who came in on a single by Orlando Cabrera. Kurt Suzuki followed with a double to deliver Cabrera with the final run of the inning.
