A’s Grieve Makes Himself at Home

Relaxed after sleeping in his own bedroom at his parents’ home, rookie Ben Grieve put on a show for family and friends Tuesday night.

Grieve homered twice in his hometown debut and the Oakland Athletics hung on after blowing most of a nine-run lead to beat the Texas Rangers, 9-7.

“It was neat to do it here,” Grieve said. “It was exciting, but I know my parents are 10 times more excited about it than I am. It’s just a lot more special because it came at home. I saw some of my friends in the outfield. It’s kind of neat to say hi to them.”

Grieve, who grew up watching the Rangers, hit two-run shots in the first and second innings to help the A’s take a 6-0 lead.

His first career multi-homer game led the A’s to their fourth victory in five games. Texas has lost five of six.

“That’s quite a display, two-run homers in your first two at-bats at home,” A’s Manager Art Howe said.

Grieve’s father, Tom, a former major leaguer and Rangers general manager, watched from the broadcast booth where he’s a TV analyst. Grieve’s mother and sister looked on from the stands.

“I never swing hard for home runs, they just happen,” Grieve said. “Any time you do something like that with your family watching, it’s special.”

Buddy Groom (3-1) pitched two hitless innings of relief for the win, and Billy Taylor pitched a perfect ninth for his 12th save. A’s relievers retired the final 13 Rangers.

Mike Oquist started for the A’s in place of former Ranger Kenny Rogers, scratched with pain in his lower back. Rogers will start tonight against the Rangers.