A's and O's Split; L.A. Breaks Bucs, Has 2 Game Edge

In baseball playoff action this weekend, Los Angeles grabbed a quick two-game lead over the Pirates in the National League, while Oakland evened the American League playoff series with Baltimore at one game apiece.

Dodger ace Don Sutton stopped Pittsburgh on four hits on Saturday as Los Angeles won, 3-0. The Pirates bowed to the Western Division champs again on Sunday, 5-2. The series resumes on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Oakland's ace Catfish Hunter was not as lucky as Sutton. He gave up three home runs to the Orioles on Saturday and lost, 6-3.

A's manager Alvin Dark shuffled his line-up after Saturday's loss to Baltimore, moving slugger Reggie Jackson from right field to the designated-hitter position.

Behind the shutout pitching of south-paw Ken Holtzman, the A's made the change pay off. Sal Bando and Ray Fosse came up with key home runs to give Oakland a 5-0 victory over the Orioles.

On Tuesday, the American League playoffs will continue in Baltimore where the Athletics will pitch flamboyant Vida Blue against Oriole hurler Jim Palmer.