Brent Rooker homered during a three-run first inning that helped the visiting Athletics defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-3 on Thursday.

Rooker's home run, his 30th of the season, came against Boston starter Brayan Bello and gave the Athletics a 2-0 lead. Nick Kurtz scored on Tyler Soderstrom's single later in the first inning to make it 3-0.

J.T. Ginn (4-6) pitched the first six innings to earn the win. He limited Boston to two runs on two hits, struck out three and walked one. Hogan Harris earned his fourth save by pitching the final two innings. He gave up one run and struck out three.

Bello (11-8) was pulled after four innings. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits.

The Athletics (72-81) won two games in the three-game series and have won six of their last seven.

The Red Sox

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