Edwin Jackson gives A’s much-needed strong start in win over Mariners

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Edwin Jackson (37) throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at the Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2018. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)OAKLAND — Edwin Jackson smacked his glove three times after his strike out of Denard Span and slowly walked off the mound with that humble swagger of his to a nice ovation from the crowd at the Coliseum. Jackson has become a fan favorite in his short time with Oakland, but his biggest fan on this day was Bob Melvin, who was the first to welcome Jackson back to the dugout with a huge pat on the back.

It was a sigh of relief for the A’s manager, who has had to play mad scientist with his…