Pirates top A's, start July with a bang

Jordy Mercer belts a line drive to left field that sails over the top of the wall, putting the Pirates on the boardOAKLAND -- Pirates starter Jeff Locke appeared headed for trouble against the A's Friday, allowing three runs over his first two innings, including a two-run homer to Marcus Semien. But he settled down to retire the final nine batters he faced, abruptly stymying a hot Oakland offense.

The Pirates, who have now won five of their last seven, then took control, toppling Sonny Gray to hand the A's a 7-3 loss.

Gray struggled, allowing seven runs over six innings, including five runs over his final two innings to lose for the seventh time this season. Trailing 4-3, Gray hit Starling…