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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Athletics top Yankees, 3-0


Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Brett Tomko

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OAKLAND, Calif. — Brett Tomko pitched five scoreless innings to beat New York less than a month after being released by the Yankees, winning his debut with Oakland, 3-0 last night.

Maui native Kurt Suzuki and Mark Ellis had RBI hits in a three-run fourth inning against A.J. Burnett (10-6) in the Yankees' second straight loss on this West Coast trip.

Three relievers finished the shutout, the fourth this season against the Yankees, who lead the majors in home runs and are second to the Los Angeles Angels in runs scored.

"It's frustrating to lose like that since A.J. pitched so well," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Burnett, who allowed three runs in eight innings. "He deserved better."

Tomko (2-2) allowed five hits and one walk, throwing 78 pitches in his first start May 26, 2008, for Kansas City. Tomko started the season in the Yankees' organization and was called up to the majors in May. He went 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA in 15 relief appearances before being designated for assignment on July 21.

"I wasn't mad about it but I really wished I would have had the opportunity to show what I could do," Tomko said.

The A's signed him to a minor league deal earlier this month and he made three appearances in the minors before getting the start against his former team.

Angels 8, Orioles 5: Vladimir Guerrero hit two homers and had five RBIs, and Kendry Morales and Maicer Izturis also homered as Los Angeles beat host Baltimore.

Rangers 8, Twins 5: Marlon Byrd drove in three runs and Texas extended its lead in the AL wild-card race to one game over the idle Red Sox by beating Minnesota.

White Sox 8, Royals 7: Scott Podsednik had a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth and A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer in the seventh as host Chicago beat Kansas City.