Today, it was Suzuki who helped Kendall out, getting his first major-league hit in the 11th inning to set up Kendall's game-winning RBI-single in Oakland's 6-5 win over the Houston Astros.

"I've watched Jason and how he sets guys up," said an excited Suzuki, a Baldwin alum who played on Fullerton State's NCAA championship team. "He's definitely been a big help to me with scouting reports and telling me how to set people up. He's given me some good hints and that has really helped."

Suzuki, who was called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, got his pinch-hit single after a single by Bobby Crosby with one out in the 11th. Kendall's hit was a line drive to left field off Brian Moehler (0-2).

"He's swinging the bat a lot better in the last week or so," A's manager Bob Geren said of Kendall. "He has been working real hard with (hitting coach) Ty Van Burkleo every day and it's starting to show."