Myers Can’t Save the Day for Mussina

BALTIMORE —  Mike Mussina was hoping to get a victory to go along with his new contract, but Jason Giambi had other ideas.

Giambi’s two-run home run off Randy Myers with two out in the ninth inning Saturday gave the Oakland Athletics to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Myers (0-1) was 11 for 11 in save opportunities this season before blowing this one after getting two outs. Damon Mashore doubled and Giambi hit an 0-and-1 pitch over the center-field wall for his fourth homer.

That ruined Mussina’s bid for a fourth consecutive victory. The right-hander pitched 6 1/3 innings and left with a 3-1 lead after giving up four hits, two walks and striking out seven.

After the game, Baltimore announced that Mussina had been given a three-year, $21 million contract extension.

“Basically, I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else,” Mussina said.

Giambi hit a hanging slider for his fourth homer. It was the first runs off Myers in 12 innings. “They’ve got some good hitters over there. They were quality pitches and they hit them,” Myers said. “That’s what they’re paid to do.”

Aaron Small (4-0) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, Buddy Groom got one out in the ninth and Billy Taylor finished for his sixth save.