Info-Box » ckey team, the ineptitude of the IOC handling the Nickla

OAKLAND, Calif. -- On a day when his fastball didnt have much bite and his breaking pitches were flat, Jesse Chavez finally got the victory that had eluded him through the first two weeks of the season. The 30-year-old starter also managed to carve a spot in the Athletics history books along the way. Chavez combined with three relievers on a five-hitter, and Josh Donaldson drove in three runs to help Oakland beat the Houston Astros 4-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep. "Today was one of those days where I had to make pitches and see pretty much what I was made of as a starter," said Chavez after lowering his team-leading ERA to 1.38. "The only thing I had pretty much working today was my changeup. That was a good pitch that I needed." Chavez (1-0) allowed four hits over six innings and retired seven of the final eight batters he faced after giving up a solo home run to Marwin Gonzalez in the fourth. He struck out three, walked one and became the first pitcher in franchise history to be on the opening- day roster and allow one earned run or less in six innings during each of his first four starts. Not bad for a guy who was on the fringe of the As rotation until injuries sidelined Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin. "I think hell tell you he struggled with his command moreso today than any other day," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. "Thats really the mark of a good pitcher, when you dont have your best stuff. Hes been focused and ready for that opportunity and continues to run with it." Josh Donaldson homered and doubled twice while Jed Lowrie and Eric Sogard added two hits apiece for the As, who have won 11 of 13. Oakland has the best record in the American League despite a shaky defence that committed its AL-leading 19th error. Gonzalez had two hits for the Astros. Houston has dropped seven straight. "We have an underperforming team right now, and when you underperform and make the mistakes that we make this is going to be the result," manager Bo Porter said. Donaldson hit a two-run homer off Houston starter Brad Peacock in the first and added an RBI double in the seventh. He also had a two-out double in the fifth. That helped offset an early miscue by Oaklands third baseman. Donaldson bobbled George Springers grounder in the third, extending the teams worst defensive stretch since 2011. Lowrie, the shortstop, also dropped a high popup by Springer in the eighth, marking four straight games in which the As have committed at least two errors. Overall, Oakland has made an error in nine consecutive games. "I dont like it," Melvin said. "You cant continually play defence like this and get away with it." Three of Houstons first four batters reached base before Oaklands young right-hander settled down. After catcher John Jaso threw out Jose Altuve trying to steal third, Chavez got Marc Krauss to fly out. The Astros also had two runners on with two outs in the third following Donaldsons fielding error but Chavez retired Krauss on a deep fly to right. Houston managed just one baserunner against Chavez after that, a one-out walk to Dexter Fowler in the fifth. Jim Johnson, still trying to win back the As closer spot, replaced Chavez to start the seventh and retired the first two batters before walking Altuve. After Fowler reached when his sharp comebacker deflected off Johnson, reliever Sean Doolittle came in and got Jason Castro to fly out to left. Luke Gregerson pitched the ninth for his third save. Donaldsons two-run home run off Peacock (0-2) in the first put the As up 2-0. Lowrie singled with one out before Donaldson hit the 3-1 pitch to left. Gonzalez, who singled off Chavez in the second, hit a two-out home run in the fourth to cut it to 2-1. Donaldson doubled in Coco Crisp in the seventh and Lowrie scored on a passed ball in the same inning. Peacock struck out four and walked three in his first start of the season. The former Oakland prospect, who began the year in Houstons bullpen, allowed five hits over five innings. NOTES: Oakland slugger Yoenis Cespedes left the game in the top of the seventh with a bruised right heel. ... Gonzalezs home run was his first since June 5, 2013. ... Oakland OF Sam Fuld was claimed off waivers by Minnesota. ... Houston LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-1) pitches the series opener against Seattle on Monday. ... RHP Dan Straily (1-1) faces the Rangers for Oakland is 3-1 in six career starts against Texas. Demarcus Robinson Jersey . This week they discuss Russias mens hockey team, the ineptitude of the IOC handling the Nicklas Backstrom situation, John Tortorellas many apologies, and Canadas strong showing in curling. Eric Berry Jersey . If Vettel wins at Suzuka on Sunday, and his nearest rival Fernando Alonso finishes worse than eighth, the German driver will join his compatriot Michael Schumacher and Argentine Juan-Manuel Fangio as the only men to win four consecutive titles. http://www.officialkansascitychiefsfootball.com/authentic-marcus-allen-jersey-womens . Rodriguez, who has steadfastly denied using banned substances while with the New York Yankees, made the decision nearly four weeks after arbitrator Fredric Horowitz largely upheld the discipline issued last summer by baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. "I think its a good move for him," former Commissioner Fay Vincent said. Anthony Hitchens Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with safety Brock Vereen and QB David Fales on four-year contracts. Derrick Nnadi Jersey .Y. -- The New York Islanders were seeking a positive finish to a frustrating season on home ice.The Edmonton Oilers have sent forward Ales Hemsky back to Edmonton to have his injured ankle evaluated. Hemsky left the Oilers Tuesday night loss to the Dallas Stars in the second period and did not return. Through 48 games this season, Hemsky has seven goals and a total of 24 points. The 30-year-old right wingeer was named to the Olympic roster of Czech Republic team for the upcoming Sochi Games.dddddddddddd Hemsky is in the first half of a two-year, $10 million contract. The Oilers continue their road trip against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night and travel to play the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. Cheap Buffalo Sabres Gear Wholesale Calgary Flames Jerseys Cheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche Jerseys Montreal Canadiens Outlet Store Wholesale New Jersey Devils Jerseys Adidas Arizona Coyotes Jerseys Cheap Adidas Boston Bruins Jerseys Cheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys Chicago Blackhawks Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Columbus Blue Jackets Jerseys Dallas Stars Shop Free Shipping Cheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings Jerseys Anaheim Ducks Jerseys China Wholesale Edmonton Oilers Jerseys Florida Panthers Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Los Angeles Kings Jerseys Minnesota Wild Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Nashville Predators Jerseys Cheap Adidas New York Islanders Jerseys New York Rangers Winter Classic Jerseys Cheap Adidas Ottawa Senators Jerseys Cheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys Wholesale Pittsburgh Penguins Jerseys Cheap Adidas San Jose Sharks Jerseys St. Louis Blues Winter Classic Jerseys Wholesale Tampa Bay Lightning Jerseys Toronto Maple Leafs Outlet Store Vancouver Canucks Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys Cheap Adidas Washington Capitals Jerseys Cheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '