Hershiser Stays Cool as Indians Beat A’s

Orel Hershiser kept his cool. Jose Canseco didn’t, and that helped Hershiser recover from a bad start.

Hershiser pitched 6 1/3 innings of five-hit ball and Jim Thome hit two homers as the Cleveland Indians beat the Oakland Athletics, 7-4, Saturday night at Oakland.

Canseco, the Athletics’ designated hitter, was ejected in the first inning for arguing a called third strike.

“With Jose gone the rest of the game, that helped. He’s their power source,” said Hershiser, who got out of the first giving up only one run despite giving up two hits and two walks.

Hershsier struck out Matt Stairs and Canseco, who was unavailable for comment after the game, before getting Brian Lesher to fly out with the bases loaded.

Hershiser (12-5) gave up two runs, struck out six and walked three to win his third consecutive start since coming off the disabled list earlier this month. He is 11-0 in August in three years with the Indians.

“I’m happy always to get a victory,” Hershiser said. “This is a big road trip.”

David Justice, who went four for five, homered for the second game in a row and seventh time in 14 games. Thome connected in the seventh inning for his 35th homer as Cleveland totaled 17 hits. Both homers came off Brad Rigby (0-5), still looking for his first major league win after 10 starts.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Cleveland Indians

WHERE: at Anaheim Stadium

WHEN:

Tuesday, 7

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.