A’s swat 4 homers to snap losing streak

ST. PETERSBURG — The A’s busted out for four home runs, including two from third baseman Danny Valencia, to secure a 6-3 series-opening victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.

It was the third career multi-homer game for Valencia, who recorded solo shots in the first and sixth innings to snap a 69 at-bat homerless drought dating back to last season. The opening frame also featured a three-run homer from designated hitter Khris Davis, his eighth of the season. Shortstop Marcus Semien notched his team-leading ninth homer in the fourth inning, which would be Rays starter Jake Odorizzi’s last.

“I felt jumpy in the box, so it felt like I was almost swinging at everything,” said Valencia, playing in his first game since Monday and third since returning from the disabled list. “But I was able to get some good pitches and barrel them.”

• Run saved is run scored; Valencia does both

Odorizzi was responsible for five runs on seven hits and one walk in four innings, while A’s starter Rich Hill went six innings to pick up his fifth win, allowing three runs on four hits and as many walks. The lefty totaled seven strikeouts to give him 53 on the season, tied for third most in the American League.

“I actually thought Odo had pretty good stuff tonight,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “And they just did a really good job. … They also had a really good approach on him, staying on the ball and not trying to do too much and getting guys on base.”

Steve Pearce, Steven Souza Jr. and Evan Longoria all drove in runs for the Rays, who have dropped four in a row.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Crying foul: Credit Billy Burns for sparking a four-run first inning, with the A’s outfielder engaging in a 14-pitch at-bat with Odorizzi that ended in a one-out …

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