Oakland Athletics Team Report - April 24

(Sports Network) - The Oakland A's sent their ace to the mound against the lowly Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, but they ended up coming away with a 4-1 loss in the second of a three-game series at the Coliseum

Barry Zito (3-2) took the loss for Oakland, one game after pitching a complete game shutout against the Rangers last week. In seven innings against Detroit, Zito was charged with two runs and five hits.

Zito has now permitted 36 hits and 14 earned runs in 46 innings during his career against the Tigers. Despite the loss, he's still 22-2 in his last 32 starts at home.

Terrence Long had two hits and scored for the Athletics, who lost for the second time in five games.

The Athletics finished with just three hits in the contest and allowed Detroit to snap a 10-game losing skid.

Oakland activated Jim Mecir from the disabled list before yesterday's contest and designated Micah Bowie for assignment.

Lefty throwing Mark Mulder will take the mound for the A's today as he tries to record his third victory of the season. He went seven innings in his most recent outing, giving up two earned runs on five hits and striking out five in a 12-2 victory against Texas.

Mulder (2-1) is making just his second career start against the Tigers today. He lost his only other trip to the mound against Detroit, allowing three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of action, while striking out five.

04/24 12:24:58 ET