CLEVELAND — José Ramírez doubled twice, then homered to begin a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Cleveland Guardians sent Oakland to its 10th straight loss, beating the Athletics 3-2 Friday night.
The A's are struck in their first double-digit skid since 2011 and have outscored 60-20 during the streak. Oakland has the worst record in the American League at 20-40 and has not won since May 29 against Texas.
Oakland starter Paul Blackburn pitched eight shutout innings in the longest outing of his career, allowing four hits and striking out three.
Ramírez, who leads the majors with 56 RBIs, was the only baserunner to get past second until the ninth for the young Guardians, who have won nine of 11 and moved two games above .500.
Ramírez hit his 16th homer to lead off the ninth against Dany Jiménez (2-4) to make it 2-1.
Cleveland then loaded the bases with no outs and Owen Miller hit a tying sacrifice fly. Sam Moll relieved and gave up an infield single to Steven Kwan that loaded the bases.
Luke Maile followed with a sacrice fly, setting off a celebration in the rain that unexpectedly arrived during the inning.
Converted outfielder Anthony Gose (2-0) struck out two of the three batters he faced in the ninth. Cleveland starter Triston McKenzie worked six innings, allowing two runs on homers by Seth Brown and Sean Murphy.
Oscar Gonzalez went 1 for 4, giving him hits in 13 of his first 14 career games. Roger Maris held the previous Cleveland franchise mark with 12.
Brown homered in the first and Murphy went deep in the second. Oakland has 37 home runs -- the second fewest in baseball -- and only managed five hits to drop its league-low batting average to .209.
More Guardians coverage:
- Cleveland Guardians hoping for better weather, stronger attendance this summer
- Cleveland Guardians rally to win without Terry Francona, Oakland A's lose 9th in row
- José Ramírez ties for MLB lead with 54th RBI as Cleveland Guardians top Texas Rangers
- 3News' Austin Love to throw out ceremonial first pitch at Cleveland Guardians game on June 28