A's beat Twins 8-2, increase lead in AL West

[September 13, 2013]  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A.J. Griffin allowed just two hits in seven innings and the Oakland Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 8-2 Thursday afternoon to increase their division lead heading into a crucial weekend series.

Josh Reddick homered and had three RBIs for Oakland, which has a 3 1/2 game lead over idle Texas in the American League West. It is Oakland's largest lead over the Rangers since Aug. 3. The teams are to scheduled play a three-game series this weekend in the Lone Star State.

Oswaldo Arcia homered for Minnesota, which has lost six of eight.

In winning his fourth straight start, Griffin (14-9) struck out eight and walked just one batter.

Making his first start since being recalled from Triple-A, Minnesota starter Scott Diamond (5-11) allowed five runs -- four earned -- in 4 2-3 innings.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.