BOSTON (AP) — Brent Rooker homered in a three-run first inning and J.T. Ginn limited Boston to five hits over six innings on Thursday to lead the Athletics to a 5-3 victory over the Red Sox.
The Athletics started the game with four straight hits, including Rooker’s two-run shot, his 30th of the season. Ginn (4-6) allowed two runs while walking one and striking out three. Hogan Harris pitched two innings for his fourth save.
David Hamilton and Trevor Story each hit a solo homer for Boston, which has lost five of its last seven games. The Red Sox entered the day tied with Seattle for the third and final AL wild-card spot; Cleveland, which beat Detroit on Thursday, was 1 ½ games back.
Brayan Bello (11-8) allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits and two walks while striking out three in four innings.
**Key Moment**
The Athletics started things off with Lawrence Butler’s double off the Green Monster, followed by Rooker’s home run, Nick Kurtz’s double, and a run-scoring single from Tyler Soderstrom. Bello recorded his first out when Jacob Wilson grounded into a fielder’s choice, then J.J. Bleday hit into a double play.
**Key Stat**
Rooker’s homer gave the Athletics three players with at least 30 home runs this season; he joined Kurtz (32) and Shea Langeliers (30). That ties a franchise record achieved four times, most recently in 2019.
**Up Next**
The Athletics head to Pittsburgh, with right-hander Luis Severino (6-11) scheduled to face right-hander Mitch Keller (6-14) in the opener on Friday night.
The Red Sox begin a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Friday, with Garrett Crochet, Kyle Harrison, and Connelly Early scheduled to pitch.
https://whdh.com/sports/brent-rookers-30th-home-run-powers-the-as-to-a-5-3-win-over-the-slumping-red-sox/