A's ride big fourth inning, win first challenge
Lowrie's three-run double sparks offense; Griffin struggles with early lead
PHOENIX -- Coco Crisp had two hits and a stolen base, Jed Lowrie had a bases-clearing double as part of a four-run fourth inning, and the A's beat the Rockies, 10-5, Thursday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The A's scored three runs (two earned) off Rockies starter Tyler Chatwood in three innings, four runs in Matt Belisle's one inning and three runs in Jon Gray's 2 2/3 innings.
The Rockies pounded out 15 hits but didn't score after the fourth inning.
A's starter A.J. Griffin gave up five runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.
"I still have to get down on the zone better, but I feel like things are shaping up better and better," said Griffin, who has a 10.38 ERA this spring.
Brandon Barnes was 3-for-3 and reached base four times for the Rockies. Catcher Wilin Rosario and right fielder Tim Wheeler each homered.
A's manager Bob Melvin won his first challenge under the expanded replay rules. In the second inning, a double play at first base against Crisp was overturned. Melvin also challenged a play at first in the eighth inning that was upheld.
Up next: Dan Straily, looking to secure a rotation spot, will make his third Cactus League start Friday at 1:05 PT when the A's play Kansas City at Surprise Stadium. Straily gave up three runs in two innings in his first spring start but bounced back last time out with 3 1/3 shutout innings. The Royals will counter with left-hander Danny Duffy, also competing for a rotation spot. Listen to the game live on an exclusive athletics.com webcast.