Athletics closer Sean Doolittle earns win with two strong innings

Athletics closer Sean Doolittle earned his first victory in a 4-2 win over the White Sox on Thursday, surrendering only one hit and striking out two in two innings.

Doolittle suddenly found himself in position for the win in the bottom of the ninth after Billy Butler's three-run shot in the top of the frame, and the 28 year old responded by retiring three straight after giving up a lead-off single.

The veteran had previously been announced as a closer candidate for the remainder of the season by manager Bob Melvin, and has now notched a save and a victory over his last three appearances while blanking opposing batters in five of his last six trips to the mound.