JJ Bleday connects twice for first career multi

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — JJ Bleday hit a go-ahead home run with one out in the fifth inning and a two-run drive in the seventh for his first career multi-homer game, leading the Oakland Athletics past the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 on Tuesday night.

“Oh, it’s awesome, it’s a very special night,” Bleday said. “You always dream about those moments and then when it finally comes true it’s just like ‘that’s sweet.’ But now it’s try to find another goal, something else to do.”

Like what? “Maybe three home runs,” Bleday said with a grin.

Mitch Spence (3-1) struck out two over three scoreless innings in relief of starter Alex Wood. The left-hander is still winless over four starts in Oakland since joining the club as a free agent Feb. 2 — and he is yet to pitch more than 5 2/3 innings in seven starts this season.

Tyler Nevin and Abraham Toro hit RBI singles in the second for the A’s after Shea Langeliers doubled to start the inning against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller (2-3).