Batista Makes Most of His Opportunity

Tony Batista, who was recalled from the minor leagues July 2, hit a three-run home run and knocked in four runs Sunday night to carry the Oakland Athletics to a 9-8 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Oakland ended a three-game losing streak and also ended Texas’ four-game winning streak.

Matt Whiteside (1-1) gave up the game-winner to Batista, who had been playing for triple-A Edmonton, in the sixth inning after a single and an error. It was Batista’s fourth home run of the season and his 11th RBI. Mark McGwire also had a run-scoring double in the four-run inning.

“I’m just happy I got an opportunity to play,” Batista said. “And it really makes me happy to know I was able to help by hitting a home run.”

Earlier in the count Batista got the bunt sign.

“That’s good for my confidence when they took it off,” he said. “I’m not a real good bunter. When they let me hit away they show they believe in what I can do.”

Dane Johnson (3-0) gave up one hit in 1 1/3 innings to get the victory. Billy Taylor pitched the final 1 2/3 innings for his 16th save.

Texas rallied from a 9-5 deficit after Batista’s home run to score three runs in the bottom of the eighth on Domingo Cedeno’s RBI groundout and Rusty Greer’s two-run home run.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Oakland Athletics

WHERE: at Oakland

WHEN:

Thursday, 12:15 p.m.

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m.