Oakland, CA -- (Sports Network) - Justin Duchscherer threw seven strong innings in Oakland's 4-2 win over Baltimore in the second installment of a three-game series.
Duchscherer (3-1), in his third start after a three-week stint on the disabled list because of a strained biceps, allowed four hits and two runs, while walking two and striking out four batters.
Santiago Casilla continued to shine on the mound, throwing the ninth inning for his first save of the year and third of his career. The right-hander has not allowed a run in his first 17 1/3 innings this season.
Frank Thomas had a pair of hits and scored twice for the A's, who have won three straight. Emil Brown, who had the winning single in Monday's 2-1, 10- inning victory, had two more hits and an RBI on Tuesday.
Brian Burres (3-3) took the loss as he was charged with eight hits and four runs -- three earned -- over 5 1/3 innings.
Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott each drove in a run for the Orioles, who had just four hits and lost their fourth in a row.
Brown singled in Thomas in the first inning and it became 3-0 in the third. The A's loaded the bases on singles by Thomas, Jack Cust and Brown before Bobby Crosby hit into a fielder's choice, driving in a run. Mark Ellis then grounded into another force play, with the O's surrendering another run.
Baltimore got within a run in the fourth. Brian Roberts walked, and with one out Nick Markakis drew a free pass before Huff singled to right for a 3-1 margin. Kevin Millar singled to load the bases, and Scott lofted a sacrifice fly to center. However, with runners on first and second, Adam Jones fouled out as Duchscherer avoided further damage.
The A's got an insurance run in the sixth. Ellis was hit by a pitch and Donnie Murphy then hit a ball to third baseman Melvin Mora, who threw wildly trying to get the force out, but the miscue put runners at second and third. Rajai Davis then lofted a sacrifice fly to right.
Game Notes
The A's go for the sweep Wednesday afternoon with Joe Blanton (2-5) on the mound, while the Orioles counter with Jeremy Guthrie...Casilla has a career high 21 1/3-inning scoreless streak dating back to September 18 of last year...Huff has a 10-game hitting streak.
