Lawrence Butler hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning as the visiting Athletics held on for a 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of their three-game series Friday night.

Nick Kurtz also homered for the A's (73-81), who have won seven of eight.

A's right-hander Luis Severino (7-11) went five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and seven hits while striking out three and walking one.

Elvis Alvarado, Brady Basso and Justin Sterner each threw an inning of shutout relief before Michael Kelly got Tommy Pham to ground into a game-ending double play with runners on the corners to earn his second save.

Pirates starter Mitch Keller (6-15) allowed four runs and four hits over five innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.

Bryan Reynolds had tw

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