OAKLAND -- Backed by a four-run first inning against Felix Hernandez, the A's pieced together a tidy bullpen day to edge the Mariners, 4-3, and avoid a three-game sweep at the Coliseum on Thursday afternoon.
The A's trotted out five relievers opposite Hernandez, beginning with righty Josh Lucas, who allowed two runs on three hits and three walks across two innings in his first career start.
Ample support arrived early, though. The A's tagged Hernandez for four hits in the first inning, including back-to-back singles by Matt Joyce and Marcus Semien to open the home half.