ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Oakland manager Bob Melvin didn’t know until an hour before Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels whether Ramon Laureano would be available.

After finding out that Major League Baseball wouldn’t decide on his appeal of a six-game suspension, the Athletics center fielder helped his team avert a series sweep.

Laureano made three sensational catches in Oakland’s 8-4 victory. The Athletics got three home runs and solid pitching from starter Chris Bassitt, but it was Laureano’s glove work that ended up making the difference.

”He’s a Gold Glove center fielder, no doubt. He won us the game defensively,” said Bassitt, who improved to 2-0 after going 5 2/3 innings. ”I know we won it by a couple more runs, but he definitely saved us.”

Laureano made web gems in three straight innings and with the Athletics hanging on to a one-run lead. He made a sliding catch to rob