AL Saves Leader Johnson Strikes Out 2 To Shut Down Mariners In A's 6-3 Win
OAKLAND (CBS/AP) -- Reigning AL saves leader Jim Johnson struck out two and closed it out this time after losing back-to-back outings to begin with his new team, sealing the Oakland Athletics' 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
Brandon Moss hit a three-run homer, Yoenis Cespedes connected in the eighth and Josh Donaldson beat out an infield single in the fifth to drive in the go-ahead run.
Sonny Gray (1-0) allowed one earned run and six hits, struck out three and walked two in six innings. In the ninth, manager Bob Melvin went back to Johnson, who delivered his first save despite allowing two baserunners.
Johnson, who converted 50 of 59 save opportunities in 2013, was acquired from Baltimore to replace departed All-Star Grant Balfour.
Moss tied the game at 3 on a three-run homer in the third. Donaldson's third hit of the season snapped a career-worst 0-for-20 streak, and Jed Lowrie followed with a sacrifice fly.
Oakland won its first series at home against Seattle in four tries since sweeping the Mariners at the Coliseum to end the 2012 season.
Melvin lost a replay challenge in the fourth inning. Sam Fuld singled and started toward second and was caught off the bag. The crew confirmed its call in 2 minutes, 1 second.
Gray allowed a pair of unearned runs in the second after Michael Saunders reached on first baseman Daric Barton's fielding error.
After throwing six shutout innings in a 2-0 loss to Cleveland on opening night Monday, Gray followed that up with another strong start. The two runs ended his scoreless innings streak at 14 dating to his final regular-season start of 2013.
Erasmo Ramirez (1-1) struggled with his command after an impressive win in his season debut Tuesday at Los Angeles. He allowed seven hits and walked three in four innings.
Robinson Cano's third-inning double gave him a 14-game hitting streak against the AL West.
Right-hander Dominic Leone made his major league debut in the seventh for Seattle after being promoted Friday. The 2012 16th-round draft pick bypassed Triple-A. He immediately gave up Eric Sogard's double, the No. 9 batter's third hit of the day.
Notes: Seattle DH Corey Hart had the day off as he continues to be eased in after missing last year with Milwaukee following knee surgery. That gives him two days of rest before Seattle's home opener Tuesday. ... The A's were set to fly after the game to Minnesota for Monday afternoon's Twins home opener. ... James Paxton starts for Seattle Tuesday against the Angels. ... A's reliever Ryan Cook, on the DL with shoulder tendinitis, could be activated as soon as Monday, while OF Craig Gentry (lower back strain) will make at least one more minor league appearance before returning. RHP A.J. Griffin (elbow) will stay in Oakland and continue rehab, beginning strengthening exercises this week. "It's more the mental game, battling boredom," said Griffin, a 14-game winner last year. "You're not contributing, you're taking up space in the clubhouse."
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