Athletics squeak by Pirates thanks to Lawrence Butler's 3-run homer
(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
Lawrence Butler hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning as the visiting Athletics held on for a 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of their three-game series Friday night.
Nick Kurtz also homered for the A's (73-81), who have won seven of eight.
A's right-hander Luis Severino (7-11) went five innings, allowing three runs (one e