Game Recap: Oakland A's Move over .500 with 5-2 Win over Orioles

This is the formula that could make the A's a sneaky team in 2012. Brandon McCarthy went seven strong innings and the A's used a three-run second inning to propel them to a 5-2 victory.

Eric Sogard's two-run home run in the second was the big moment in the rally, which helped the A's take a lead they would not relinquish in moving over .500 for the first time in 2012. Josh Reddick added his third home run, a solo shot in the sixth inning, and an RBI single in the eighth. 

McCarthy may have had his best start of the young season allowing two runs on five hits and three walks in the seven innings. He struck out four and after a first inning run, cruised for much of the game. One of the bigger threats was quelled when McCarthy induced Baltimore's Robert Andino to hit into a double play with runners on first and third and one out in the fifth inning.

Ryan Cook came in to relieve McCarthy in the eighth and struck out four batters when Adam Jones reached after striking out on a pitch that got away from catcher Kurt Suzuki. Grant Balfour came in and bounced back from his blown save Wednesday to record his sixth save in seven tries this year.

Good: Eric Sogard. His two-run home run helped him break out of a slump and sparked the A's offense. Perhaps that was the swing that can help get his offense going moving forward.

Bad: Jemile Weeks. The spark plug just hasn't been there so far. Hitting .193, Weeks managed to reach base on a walk, but was thrown out attempting to steal. He's got plenty of time, but Weeks is undoubtedly a key to the A's offense.

Ugly: N/A

With the win, the A's move to 11-10, their first time over .500 since May 2011. The series in Baltimore continues tomorrow as Tyson Ross matches up against Bruce Chen. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.