Laureano homers as A's get back on track to beat Padres 8-4

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Manager Bob Melvin figured the slugging Athletics might need a few games to regain their offensive swagger following an unplanned layoff this past week.

Ramón Laureano homered to help Sean Manaea win his third straight start, and Oakland snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the San Diego Padres 8-4 on Saturday.

Matt Olson hit a two-run triple and new addition Tommy La Stella had an RBI double for the A's, pounded 7-0 on Friday night as they returned to the field following four postponed games because of Daniel Mengden’s positive coronavirus test.

“We felt a lot better than yesterday, just knocked the rust off yesterday,” A's catcher Jonah Heim said.

Manaea (3-2) allowed one run and four hits over five innings. The lefty is on a nice roll after going 0-2 over his initial five outings. Manaea went 4-0 in September last season after coming back from shoulder surgery, and then was the losing pitcher in the AL Wild Card Game against Tampa Bay.

“I struggled but at the same time, looking back, it was awesome. I definitely learned a lot about myself,” Manaea said of this year. “Just taking those lessons into each start. It's great being able to see this hard work paying off a little bit at a time.”

Austin Nola homered and Eric Hosmer had a run-scoring groundout, but San Diego lacked the same potent offense of a night earlier when Fernando Tatís Jr. homered and drove in three runs.

Hosmer was ejected by plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the eighth after arguing a called third strike.

“There was obviously a disagreement in the zone. It was hot out there today, that's that," said Padres manager Jayce Tingler, who also came out to let Wolcott know he thought the ejection came fast. “He didn't think it was there. That's it.”

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Laureano-homers-as-A-s-get-back-on-track-to-beat-15545842.php