A’s Stairs Too Tough for Twins

OAKLAND — Through all their years of glory, the Oakland Athletics never had an American League batting champion. Matt Stairs could be their first.

“Anyone can do it,” said Stairs. “But it’s going to be tough to catch guys like Bernie Williams and Ivan Rodriguez.”

Stairs hit two home runs to help Kenny Rogers win his 10th game Sunday with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Rodriguez is the only player between Stairs and the top. At .332, Stairs is batting 20 points higher than any left-handed Oakland hitter has ever finished in a season.

Minnesota’s Dan Serafini (3-3), a left-hander, gave up both homers to Stairs, who has 14 for the season.