Athletics squeak by Pirates thanks to Lawrence Butler's 3-run homer

Lawrence Butler hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning as the visiting Athletics held on for a 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of their three-game series Friday night.

Nick Kurtz also homered for the A's (73-81), who have won seven of eight.

A's right-hander Luis Severino (7-11) went five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and seven hits while striking out three and walking one.

Elvis Alvarado, Brady Basso and Justin Sterner each threw an inning of shutout relief before Michael Kelly got Tommy Pham to ground into a game-ending double play with runners on the corners to earn his second save.

Pirates starter Mitch Keller (6-15) allowed four runs and four hits over five innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.

Bryan Reynolds had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Pirates (65-89), who have lost five in a row and 12 of 13.

Hernan Cortes walked with one out in the fifth for the A's, and Zack Gelof singled with two outs. That brought up Butler, who pulled a changeup over the fence in right-center field for a three-run homer and a 4-3 lead.

The Pirates scored all their runs in the first inning.

Jared Triolo began the frame by grounding to third baseman Darell Hernaiz, but his throw across the diamond pulled Kurtz off first base for a throwing error.

Spencer Horwitz then doubled off the wall in right to score Triolo from first and give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead.

Reynolds then grounded a single through the left side, scoring Horwitz for a 2-0 lead, and Reynolds continued to second on the throw home. Another single by Andrew McCutchen put runners on the corners.

Severino got the first out of the inning, but Reynolds came home on a sacrifice fly as the second unearned run of the inning extended the lead to 3-0.

Keller retired the first 11 batters before Kurtz belted a solo home run to right field with two outs in the fourth, his 33rd homer of the season, cutting the lead to 3-1.

Tyler Soderstrom followed with a single before left fielder Jack Suwinski made a running catch against the wall to rob Shea Langeliers and end the inning.

Gelof left in the bottom of the fifth inning after injuring his left shoulder while diving for a base hit from his second base spot.

--Field Level Media