A’s lose to Yankees; Kotsay not happy with umpire’s wide strike zone

NEW YORK — Right-hander Paul Blackburn and the Athletics could not overcome a tough first inning on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

Blackburn struggled early on as he gave up a two-run home run to Anthony Rizzo that capped a four-run first inning for the Yankees, who held on and handed the A’s their fourth loss in the last five games.

Seth Brown hit an RBI double in the first off Marcus Stroman (2-1) to give the A’s a 1-0 lead. Giancarlo Stanton had a go-ahead double...