MLB: Oakland 8, Boston 6

Oakland dropped the opener of the four-game series, but has won the last two and handed the Red Sox a big deficit Wednesday by batting around against Brad Penny in the initial inning.

Brett Anderson (6-8) overcame a three-run homer by Mike Lowell in the first to get the victory. Anderson settled down to limit the Red Sox to three runs on four hits with eight strikeouts over six innings.

It was Anderson's first victory since blanking Boston on July 6. Andrew Bailey collected his 13th save despite allowing a run in the ninth.

The Red Sox fell 3 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East.

Penny (7-5) gave up seven runs on seven hits in five innings.

After Kennedy's homer got things started in the first, Orlando Cabrera reached on an infield single. Kurt Suzuki then singled and Jack Cust drew a walk to load the bases. Ryan Sweeney's fielder's choice grounder, on which Cust was thrown out at second, allowed Cabrera to score the second run of the inning.

The bases were loaded again on a walk to Tommy Everidge and a double by Rajai Davis brought home all three runners.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.