Oakland, California: 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 their 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.
