Rays 7, Athletics 2
David Price struck out 12 over eight strong innings, and B.J. Upton, Luke Scott and Jose Molina drove in two runs apiece as Tampa Bay ran its home winning streak to 10 games in the opener of a three-game series.
The American League East-leading Rays have won six straight overall and 12 of 13.
Price (5-1) allowed doubles by Jonny Gomes and Kurt Suzuki in the second, but the Athletics didn't manage another hit until Gomes singled with one out in the seventh. The left-hander won his fourth straight start to improve to 24-14 all-time at Tropicana Field.
Cliff Pennington added Oakland's second run with a solo homer off Brandon Gomes in the ninth. Brandon Gomes loaded the bases with two outs, creating a save situation for Joel Peralta, who retired Kila Ka'aihue for his second save.
A's starter Tyson Ross (1-2) was hit hard for the second straight start. He allowed seven runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Upton had a pair of RBI doubles - one to open the scoring in the three-run third and another in the midst of the four-run fourth. Scott added a two-run single in the third, and Molina hit a two-run homer off Ross in the fourth.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Rays haven't lost at Tropicana Field since April 20 against Minnesota. They are 13-1 at home. … The A's missed a chance to move above .500 for the first time since May 18, 2011. … Oakland 2B Jemile Weeks returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday's game with tightness in his groin. Weeks went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.