Lester, A's dominate White Sox to maintain lead in wild card race

Chicago, IL - The Oakland Athletics finally gave Jon Lester some run support.

Lester fired eight innings of two-run ball, while Josh Donaldson posted five hits, four RBI and two runs scored as the A's pounded the Chicago White Sox, 11-2, in the second of a four-game set.

Lester (14-10) struck out eight and allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks.

The A's had averaged just 3.4 runs per game during an 8-19 stretch coming in while giving Lester four total runs of support in his last four starts. Lester was 0-3 with a 2.67 ERA during that stretch.

Oakland is 1 1/2 games ahead of Seattle for the AL's top wild-card spot. The Mariners are currently playing Houston.

Sam Fuld went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI and runs scored and Derek Norris added three hits an RBI and a run scored.

John Danks (9-11) gave up four runs -- two earned -- on seven hits and a walk over six innings for Chicago.