Jason Giambi Hurt in A’s Win

Manager Art Howe of the Oakland Athletics would trade it all--the 13 runs, 11 hits, and even the victory--to get his first baseman back.

Eric Chavez hit a grand slam as the A’s scored six runs in the first inning and kept on scoring Friday night in a 13-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

But the A’s mood soured when Jason Giambi pulled up lame in the seventh inning because of injuries to his right knee and hamstring.

“It’s a bittersweet victory because of that,” Howe said. “It’s one of the keys to our success, to stay healthy. But that’s what you’ve got bench players for.”

Kevin Appier (2-1) gave up three earned runs and eight hits in six innings and struck out six to win his second consecutive start. Frank Menechino also homered in the first inning for the A’s.

Brian Rose (0-2) took the loss.

Giambi was one for three with two walks and a three-run homer--his fifth of the season.

In the seventh inning, Giambi hit a ground ball in the hole to the right side of the infield. He might have been able to beat it out, but pulled up a few steps before the bag.

“I don’t know how I came down on it or when I did it. It just locked up on me,” he said. “We’ll see how it comes back tomorrow. Hopefully, it won’t be too long.”

He was diagnosed with a hyperextended right knee and a hamstring injury. Doctors won’t know how severe the latter injury is until the swelling subsides.