Orioles lose 3-2 to Athletics

Joe Saunders allowed a two-run homer to Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes, and the AL wild card-leading Athletics beat Baltimore 3-2 on Friday night to prevent the Orioles from moving into sole possession of first place in the AL East.

"It's very obvious to our players what is at stake," Showalter said.

Jonny Gomes hit a go-ahead RBI single in the fifth to back A's rookie Tommy Milone in the opener of a key series between playoff contenders. Oakland (83-61) came off the field from batting practice to find injured pitcher Brandon McCarthy doing a crossword puzzle, barely a week after he was struck in the head with a line drive and underwent surgery.

"I know it was a big pick-me-up for everybody to see him," A's manager Bob Melvin said.

The Orioles (81-63) remained tied atop the division with the New York Yankees, who lost 6-4 at home to Tampa Bay.

"There are 15, 16 games after this. They're all important," Showalter said. "The ones we won in April were every bit as important. I know with the finish line in sight, it gets played out more often."

Baltimore had its three-game winning streak snapped, then got another blow afterward: Infielder Wilson Betemit is likely done for the season with further wrist problems.

Activated from the disabled list Sept. 1 after going down Aug. 12 with an injured right wrist, Betemit aggravated it again during batting practice.

"He felt it grab again. He's really down," Showalter said. "I don't like our chances of getting him back this year."

Milone (13-10) allowed one earned run over 6 1-3 innings to win for the fourth time in five starts. He induced three double plays, allowed six hits, struck out two and walked two. His 13 wins are an Oakland rookie record.

A's starters have walked three or fewer batters in 43 straight games. The defense turned four double plays in all.

"It's huge," Milone said. "It's momentum killers for them."

McCarthy, Oakland's opening-day starter, was hit in the head by a liner from the Angels' Erick Aybar on Sept. 5. He was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Gomes had everybody sign a batting helmet for the pitcher with the words "heads up" written on the bill.

Cespedes, the rookie from Cuba, connected for his 19th home run and third in four games. That gave Oakland 85 homers since the All-Star break.