Athletics 8, Cubs 7
Athletics 8, Cubs 7: Derek Norris belted a three-run homer in the eighth inning to erase a deficit as Oakland continued its dominance at home.
Josh Donaldson and Chris Young also went deep for the Athletics, who improved to an American League-best 27-13 at home and 5-1 on their current eight-game stand.
Oakland squandered an early 3-0 advantage before rallying in the fourth inning to forge a 5-5 tie on Coco Crisp's two-run single. Chicago regained the lead on Welington Castillo's two-run double in the sixth, but Norris drilled a 2-2 pitch from James Russell (1-2) over the wall in left-center field two frames later to put the Athletics back in front.
Dan Otero (1-0) registered his first career victory after tossing a scoreless eighth and Grant Balfour worked the ninth for his 20th save in as many opportunities. Balfour has converted 38 consecutive save chances, two shy of the Oakland record held by Dennis Eckersley.
Castillo finished with three RBIs and Alfonso Soriano hit a three-run homer for the Cubs, who fell to 4-3 on their nine-game road trip.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Athletics have won 17 of their last 20 at home. ... Chicago recalled LHP Chris Rusin from Triple-A Iowa to start in place of Scott Feldman, who was traded to Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon. Rusin allowed three runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings in his season debut. ... Oakland starter A.J. Griffin struggled, surrendering seven runs and 10 hits over 5 2/3 frames.