CLEVELAND _ It's hard to explain how these A's are keeping this up.
The A's defeated the Indians, 6-0, on Sunday to clinch yet another series victory, their fourth in a row. As has been the formula for most of the season, the win was fueled by some home runs and strong pitching performances from unlikely sources.
Brett Anderson, who had struggled through his first four starts before landing in the disabled list for over a month with a shoulder strain, returned for his first start off the DL and shut down a hot Indians (49-39) lineup that ranks top-five in most offensive categories with five scoreless innings.
The left-hander departed after allowing a leadoff single to Jose Ramirez in the sixth, finishing his day by allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three batters. Despite six A's pitchers currently nursing injuries on the disabled list, Anderson's performance was another example of that next man up mentality A's manager Bob Melvin has brought up so often this year. Anderson became the 10th different A's starter to record a win as he picked up his first of the season.
Already leading 2-0, Stephen Piscotty doubled the A's lead as he homered for the second consecutive day, a two-run shot to right field off Shane Bieber in the sixth. It was Piscotty's ninth home run of the season, matching his home run total last season with the Cardinals.
Jed Lowrie added on with a solo home run in the seventh, matching his career-high for home runs in a season with his 16th.
Next for the A's is a trip to Houston for a four-game series with the Astros. Things got ugly last month when the defending world champs swept the A's over three games Oakland, but since then, the A's (50-40) have gone 16-5 and are now a season-high 10 games over .500.
