OAKLAND -- Pirates starter Jeff Locke appeared headed for trouble against the A's Friday, allowing three runs over his first two innings, including a two-run homer to Marcus Semien. But he settled down to retire the final nine batters he faced, abruptly stymying a hot Oakland offense.
The Pirates, who have now won five of their last seven, then took control, toppling Sonny Gray to hand the A's a 7-3 loss.
Gray struggled, allowing seven runs over six innings, including five runs over his final two innings to lose for the seventh time this season.