MINNEAPOLIS — The Oakland Athletics got a quality start by Dan Straily and a pair of two-run home runs in a 6-1 win over Minnesota to sweep the Twins in the series finale on Thursday afternoon.
The right-handed Straily (1-1) pitched seven innings, allowing three hits, walking two and striking out five. Third baseman Josh Donaldson and center fielder Sam Fuld hit two-run shots in the third and fourth innings, respectively, to help the A’s win their fourth straight game of the year and ninth straight over the Twins.
Straily’s only black mark came in the first inning, when second baseman Brian Dozier hit a solo home run, his third of the year, to left field on the first pitch to him.
Oakland tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second inning when a two-out single to left by first baseman Daric Barton drove home designated hitter Alberto Callaspo from second base.
Then, with no outs in the top of the third, Donaldson made it 3-1 when he knocked a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right-center field to bring home shortstop Jed Lowrie, who led off the inning with a walk.
In the top of the fourth, the A’s went ahead 5-1 after Lowrie hit a two-run homer of his own, sending a 3-1 pitch 365 feet over the right field wall, driving in second baseman Nick Punto, who reached base on a walk.
In the top of the sixth inning, Oakland made it 6-1 when a sharp single to center scored Fuld.
Right-hander Mark Pelfrey (0-2) took the loss for the Twins. Pelfrey went five innings, allowing six earned runs on nine hits and four walks.