OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – The Indians salvaged a split of a day-night doubleheader with a 6-4 win over the Oakland Athletics in the nightcap Wednesday.
Michael Brantley atoned for a rare error by hitting a two-run single in the ninth inning off new Oakland closer Jim Johnson.
Scott Kazmir (1-0) pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings against his former team in his Oakland debut to help the A’s win the opener 6-1. They appeared to be on their way to a sweep when they took a 4-3 lead into the ninth with help from Brantley’s dropped fly ball.
But Johnson allowed back-to-back singles to Ryan Raburn and Nick Swisher to open the inning. After a one-out walk to Carlos Santana loaded the bases, Brantley grounded a single to right field to give the Indians the lead.