A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy hit in head by line drive, exits game

OAKLAND — Angels shortstop Erick Aybar hit a vicious line drive off the right side of Oakland Athletics pitcher Brandon McCarthy’s head in the top of the fourth inning Wednesday, knocking the right-hander out of the game.

The Oakland Coliseum crowd fell silent as McCarthy crumpled to the ground while A’s third baseman Josh Donaldson remarkably fielded the carom and threw out Aybar at first.

McCarthy quickly sat up as athletic trainers from both teams rushed to the mound, and he remained on the ground for several minutes, looking dazed and running his fingers through his hair.

McCarthy was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power, as the crowd, including several players in the Angels dugout, gave him a standing ovation. The A’s starter was replaced by left-hander Travis Blackley, who got Alberto Callaspo to fly to center to end the inning.

The Angels were leading, 3-1, going into the bottom of the fifth.

ALSO:

Sore shoulder may delay Jered Weaver’s next start

Zack Greinke helps Angels close the gap on A’s and wild card

Torii Hunter is set up to help Angels in last-gasp playoff charge